CPNG names national team

By ROBINSON LEKA
CRICKET Papua New Guinea (CPNG) announced the final national men’s squad yesterday for the Oct 17-Nov 14 Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
CPNG chairman of selectors David Bishop named Assad Vala (captain) and Charles Amini Jr (vice-captain) to lead the Barramundis’ campaign.
“It’s been a long road to get here and cricket has come to be a big part of PNG today,” he said.
“Cricket is a great sport that involves girls and boys, and it’s a big part of community sports in the country.
“There have been a lot people who have got us here.
“Unfortunately, we get to name just 16 players to go.
“There were a lot more who we would have liked to take.
“But we just want to thank all the players who have participated in this tournament, the 50-over matches and the World Cup qualifiers.”
The 16-man squad include 14 players who are based in the country with Australian-based Chad Soper and Jack Gardner) to join them next month.
The squad will go into quarantine tomorrow where they will be in waiting before they receive clearance to depart the country this weekend. Squad: Assad Vala (captain), Charles Amini Jr (vice-captain), Lega Siaka, Tony Ura, Kipling Doriga, Norman Vanua, Sese Bau, Damien Ravu, Jason Kila, Nosaina Pokana, Hiri Hiri, Kabua Vagi, Simon Atai, Gaudi Toka, Chad Soper, Jack Gardner.