Cricket tourney deferred

MATCHES for the opening day of the International Cricket Council (ICC) East-Asia Pacific T20 finals yesterday were deferred to tomorrow as Amini Park had not dried out enough after heavy rains over the weekend.
Cricket Papua New Guinea general manager Lee McDowell said as host association, they were forced to reschedule games in order for the surface to be ready for cricket.
Vanuatu and Philippines teams flew in on Monday and were supposed to face off against the PNG Barramundis yesterday but those games have been shifted to Friday.
“The games have been delayed due to the oval being too wet and unsafe for play under ICC regulations, the whole ground was underwater last Friday so we need plenty of sunshine to dry the ground to a sufficient and safe level,” McDowell said.
“The main area of concern is the inner 30m circle, particularly the bowlers’ run-ups, and the area at the northern end of the ground.”
McDowell said the umpires and match referee inspect the ground each morning and update the ICC and teams involved and presently the earliest they start games was on Friday which would still allow all games to be played in a packed schedule.
“If we’re delayed further, fewer games can be played,” he said.
“Under ICC regulations, we must play 60 per cent of the games to constitute a competition.
“If this is not achieved, it will go up to the ICC development committee to decide who goes through to the next round.
“The visiting teams understand our CPNG ground staff are doing all they can to get the ground up but we are still relying on the weather to be kind over the next few days.”
McDowell said the situation was frustrating but all they could do was wait.
“Obviously, it is a very frustrating time,” he said.
“The boys are keen to play competitive international cricket.
“With the tour to Namibia straight after this one, these games hold extra importance for the Barramundis.”
He said the squad had been training as much as they could in the conditions mostly in the gym and with short skill sessions and they were getting as much game-scenario sessions.
McDowell said it would be “very frustrating” for Vanuatu and Philippines who had travelled a long way and were also looking forward to playing international cricket in Port Moresby.
“If no matches are played, it is up to the ICC panel to decide who goes through,” McDowell said.
“We would hope it is us, based on rankings, previous results and recent history.
“But at the end of the day, we would rather play and determine our own fate on the field.”