International cricketer Hassan Khan wants a shot at World Cup glory on home soil, admitting it would be the cherry on top of his 10-year career.

The 28-year-old Tooting man donned the pads for England in last month’s Blind World Cup in South Africa, where the three lions went out at the semi-final stage to Pakistan.

Khan made his debut in 2005 in Sri Lanka and was competing in his third World Cup with England, who are yet to lift the trophy since its inception.

And Khan insisted that while the reaction towards the sport in South Africa was good, if the World Cup was held in England it would really capture the public’s imagination.

“The response to us from people we met out and about was exceptional,” he said. “They had a very positive attitude towards disabled people.

“But I think a World Cup in England would draw much bigger crowds. With the work the ECB are now doing on the media side it is amazing and a lot more people are aware of the sport now.”

He added: “One thing I realised is that I’ve been playing for the team for 10 years now but this time my spot has been under pressure more than ever before.

“But that’s made me even more hungry to play the game and my goals are to win back the Ashes and then to challenge for the World Cup.

“To play in a home World Cup for England would top it all off for me. I’ve been lucky enough to represent my country all over the world, but to play in the World Cup in England would be immense.”

England beat hosts South Africa and Australia before going down to Pakistan in the semi-final by eight wickets – India later defeating them in the final.

And despite their semi-final exit, the young England side showed a lot of promise during the World Cup and Khan credits the success to new coach Ross Hunter.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play in three World Cups now and this was by far the best regime that I’ve been a part of,” he added.

“The new coaching staff and new team members really stuck together, and that was really important going abroad.

“The team spirit was very high throughout the whole competition, and we showed how much we have improved as a side.

“So all-in-all it was a successful World Cup, but we’re not kidding ourselves. We didn’t go there to make the semi-finals, we went to win it and unfortunately it didn’t work out this time.”

The England Blind team’s next tournament will be in May 2015, taking on defending champions India in England. If you would like more information about Blind Cricket or to find your nearest club please contact bcew.co.uk