Cricket PNG (Papua New Guinea) are planning well ahead for their maiden appearance in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman in October/November 2021. After ICC’s announcement about the hosting of the T20 World Cup getting shifted from India to UAE and Oman, Cricket PNG CEO Greg Campbell has said that the men’s national squad will be travelling to Oman well in advance to get acclimatized to the conditions, after having discussed with Oman Cricket securing grounds and facilities in the lead up to the World Cup.
Cricket PNG were planning to compete in a T20 series in Australia in August (The Northern Territory 365 Cricket T20 Strike League starting 15th August) before flying out to Oman on September 2nd with their first World Cup Game scheduled around the 17th of October; however due to rising cases of COVID-19 delta variant, the government delays in Australia on border entry approvals has forced Cricket PNG to withdraw from the event.
The players took part in the T20 Bash event sponsored by Isuzu in the same period of scheduling, before flying out to Oman. They will play in a CWC League 2 round (2023 ICC Cricket World Cup qualification pathway ODI tournament) from 23rd September – 02nd October against the host nation and Scotland. PNG Board have also scheduled two ODI matches against Nepal on September 05th and 08th to begin their preparations in Oman.
National Coach, Carl Sandri said “We have been meeting with the ICC on a weekly basis to gain as much information as possible. We got in early with discussions with Oman Cricket securing grounds and facilities in the lead up to the World Cup. I have had discussions with other members and have managed to arrange practice matches with them in this lead up period. Under strained circumstances we secured as much preparation as we can in the region and will be ready to perform at the World Cup.”
“The NT Cricket 365 T20 Strike League competition would have been great, it includes the Melbourne Stars & Renegades from the BBL but we will have to wait till next year. Spending more time in Oman definitely has its advantages in terms of acclimatizing and playing more matches against fellow World Cup competitors. The overall length away is shortened as well so mentally the boys will be better placed.”
Papua New Guinea Men’s Squad
Assad Vala (Captain), Charles Amini Jr, Hiri Hiri, Tony Ura, Gaudi Toka, Chad Soper, Norman Vanua, Lega Siaka, Kipling Doriga, Nosaina Pokana, Damian Ravu, Sese Bau, Kabua Vagi-Morea, Jack Gardner, Simon Atai and Jason Kila
