Dikana says lack of pathways impeding women’s cricket

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Lewas coach Rarua Dikana has blamed a lack of junior development pathways as a stumbling block for women’s cricket in the country.
Dikana said PNG women had the opportunity to further their careers in International Cricket Council-sanctioned competitions like the Australian Women’s Big Bash League and Indian Women’s T20 but a lack of junior programmes were proving to be a hindrance.
“ICC is now diverting more attention in women’s cricket internationally because of the popularity with the world cup and these competitions,” Dikana said.
“This presents an opportunity for our young girls. We also have the junior women’s world cup in the pipeline.
“But we lack junior development programmes for women to get involved in the game and market them overseas.”
When interviewed by The National a fortnight ago, Dikana said the national men’s team (Barramundis) had development pathways for young cricketers before being introduced to the PNG Under-19s and later making the senior side.
“If we can replicate such approach with our women, the Lewas will be more competitive at the international level,” he said.