Cricket PNG tasked with keeping its status

By ROBINSON LEKA
CRICKET in Papua New Guinea is now tasked with maintaining its status as a force in the sport both in the Pacific region and internationally, an official says.
Cricket PNG (CPNG) former general manager Lee McDowell told The National that the country’s participation in an International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in Oman remained an historic achievement.
“The goal now is to stay at this level and open the world’s eyes not only to our cricket talents, but to all of PNG,” he said.
“Our Barras have had tough times of late but they were up for the fight and represented their country with pride.
“It has been pleasing to see through our social media that the Kumul Petroleum Barramundis have garnished support from all corners of the globe.
“They will attract more support as cricket fans have seen the fun and excitement the Barras play with, entertaining and spirited, in true PNG style.”
McDowell also acknowledged the CPNG’s member associations and programmes for developing the code in the country through its local competitions and school cricket programmes.
“Special mention should be made to our affiliate members and local clubs and the contribution their volunteers provide our game,” he said.
“To sponsors like Bank South Pacific who have been with us for 11 years supporting the School Kriket programme that many of the Barras have come through and our current chief executive officer, Greg Campbell who has worked tirelessly over the past 10 years overseeing the development of cricket in Papua new Guinea.”
School Kriket, backed by Bank of the South Pacific, programme remains one of Cricket Papua New Guinea’s leading pathways for talent identification and player development with the majority of its products from this programme are currently in the Barramundis and Lewas squad.