CPNG sets back-up plan

By ROBINSON LEKA
Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) says it has contingency plans in place but remains hopeful that its competitions and programmes will resume following Covid-19 state of emergency.
CPNG general manager Lee McDowell told The National last week that the sport’s governing body was prepared to implement contingency plans for its competitions and programmes.
“We are awaiting the Government’s decision on the current sports recess which is due to end on May 31,” he said.
“Once we know this date is definite and no extensions are going to be added, we can start implementing our contingency plans.
“We will start the Bank South Pacific School Kriket and Oil Search Foundation Kriket Bilong Olgeta programmes, as well as domestic cricket as soon as possible.
“We will be working with our affiliate associations to help coordinate the resumption.
“These are important in the lead-up to our national competitions – Curtain Bros T20 Smash and Isuzu National One Day Cup – whose new dates will be announced once we have clarity.”
McDowell said the international fixtures to be played in the country this year were dependent on restrictions by the governments of all participating teams, including PNG.
“We will announce this year’s calendar as we receive more information,” he said.
“We still expect the T20 World Cup to proceed this year, based on advice from the International Cricket Council and all our players are training accordingly.
“All players and staff are looking forward to the resumption of cricket but in the meantime, they continue to follow orders in relation to the pandemic, keeping themselves and the community safe.”