Fiji's hopes for the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 4 have suffered a blow after star player Neil Maxwell had to withdraw through injury.

Maxwell, who is also a leading cricket agent to the likes of Brett Lee, faces a long lay-off through injury after tearing his knee ligaments.

Coach Colin Siller admitted that losing such an important player was a massive blow to Fiji's hopes, but he was still trying to remain positive.

'It's like losing Pele before a match and we can't afford to lose players of his calibre. He was our best bowler and batsman," said Siller to the Fiji Times.

"We can still win the tournament but it will be a lot tougher now.

"I feel the players have really come together following Neil's withdrawal and they're not going to take it lying down.

"They now realise that they need to step up to the task now that Neil is not available."

Maxwell has been replaced in the squad by the experienced Jo Sorovakatini.

Hong Kong has also announced a change to its squad with Barkat Waqas replacing Mohammad Haider.