Isuzu Twenty20 tourney launched

By ROBINSON LEKA
CRICKET Papua New Guinea (CPNG) and Boroko Motors launched the Isuzu Barras Bash Twenty-20 (T20) tournament yesterday with matches to start this week at Amini Park.
Deputy CPNG chairman Rio Fiocco said yesterday that the tournament would help the men’s and women’s national teams prepare for international duties this year.
“The Barramundis were due to play in Darwin,” he said.
“But due to the Coronavirus restrictions for travelling into Australia, that was not possible.
“The tournament will see squad members competing across 10 matches before the Aug 22 final.
“An announcement on the final squad will be made at the end of the tournament for players who will be travelling to Oman for the T20 World Cup.
“The women’s tournament will also be running in conjunction with the men’s tournament as they also have World Cup qualifiers to be played in Zimbabwe (Africa) in November.”
Fiocco said the Bash was part of CPNG’s campaign to rally support for the national men’s team for their maiden T20 World Cup appearance.
Meanwhile, Barramundis captain Assad Vala said preparations for the national squad were progressing well with players completing a 50-over tournament last month.
“We played in the tournament for almost two months and it was good for us,” he said.
“Before we entered the T20 qualifiers, we played in the World Cricket League, but that’s not the case this year.
“However, we have a dedicated team of coaches and we’re feeling more confident heading into this tournament.”