BSP’s School Kriket producing national representatives

BANK South Pacific Financial Group Limited (BSP) School Kriket, an international award-winning sports programme, has been a success over the last 10 years.
The initiative has grown substantially since its inception, producing Papua New Guinea international cricketers, including the Kumul Petroleum Barramundis, who opened their maiden Twenty-20 World Cup campaign against hosts Oman last night.
Each year, BSP commits K420,000 to Cricket PNG (CPNG) for the junior development programme, with, K300,000 in cash, K100,000 for equipment and K20,000 in kind.
Staying true to the programme’s objective with continued support from the bank, it has produced skilled cricketers who have represented the country in international events under the Barramundis and the City Pharmacy Lewas, and produced the best Under-19 Garamut players.
CPNG general manager Tony Naidu commended BSP for their annual support.
“This year, nine players out of the 16-man Barramundis, who will play in one of the most historic moments for PNG cricket, were produced from the BSP School Kriket programme,” he said.
“In preparation for the historic games ahead, the team played warm-up games against Nepal, United States, hosts Oman and Scotland.
“This is after two years of not playing international cricket.
“The talented team will be playing Scotland, Namibia, Ireland and Sri Lanka before participating in the first International Cricket Council senior World Cup for PNG.
“Despite all odds, on the cricket field, we feel we are prepared for the World Cup and our date with destiny.”
BSP corporate sponsorship manager Amelia Minnopu said: “Successively, being the leading school sports programme, BSP is proud to commit over the years to the programme that immensely developed PNG cricketers from the junior level to the U19s and into the national men’s and women’s cricket teams.
“BSP’s partnership with Cricket PNG has been rewarding for both organisations.
“We applaud the efforts of Cricket PNG in making the programme a success each year and in being recognised globally, and the schools that embraced the programme.”
“On behalf of the BSP executive, management and staff, we wish the PNG Barramundis all the best in their first T20 World Cup.”