After nine years in England’s visually impaired cricket team, Tooting’s Hassan Khan insists he is fearless ahead of the Blind World Cup.

Khan is part of a 17-man squad preparing to take on the world’s best sides in South Africa – starting today against Sri Lanka.

The 28-year-old Pakistan-born player lost his sight aged three due to optic nerve atrophy and admitted he never dreamt he would have the chance to play cricket.

But Khan is now a well established member of the England setup and heads into his third World Cup.

“We are lucky to come from a developed nation with a lot of support so we’re in South Africa to win and nothing else,” said Khan.

“There are some very strong teams though and we know that it’s going to be a big task, but if we get to the final anything can happen then.

“I have all the experience now and I don’t fear anyone. When I first went out I felt like a small fish in a big pond.

“Now I know what to expect and I have gone up against the best players in the business and that can only help the team.

“I was at the World Cup in India in 2012, and before that in Pakistan, which were both incredible, but I would dearly love to be able to win one and make history.

“I think over the course of 40 overs we can beat the likes of India and Pakistan and really make an impact. “

Khan knows that his side will face stern tests if they are going to be crowned champions but he says this side is the best he has played in.

And, while he might have been born in Pakistan, he insists there is no one who wants to bring the World Cup back to England more than him.

“The support we all give each other is amazing and the team spirit is amazing so we a close bunch of players,” he added.

“I lost my sight when I was three and my mum and dad said I used to watch my uncles play cricket and love it.

“But I never thought I would get the chance to follow my dream because I was blind but having the chance to play and represent my country is just unreal.

“While I was born in Pakistan when I cross that line I’m more English than anyone and I want nothing more than to bring the World Cup back here.”

ECB is an inclusive organisation providing support and a pathway for disability cricket from grassroots to elite. Follow the England Visually Impaired Squad in South Africa at ecb.co.uk.