Lewas’ Oa secures placement

CITY Pharmacy PNG Lewas player Ravini Oa has secured an International Cricket Council (ICC) placement with the Perth Scorchers for the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) this season
The ICC last month announced eight cricketers from five member countries would head to Australia to join WBBL franchise clubs.
The two-week placement will provide the players the opportunity to experience an elite cricket environments, accelerate their development through training sessions and to take back what they have learnt to their respective national teams.
The rookies will also have the opportunity to take part in media and promotional activities.
Members outside of those competing in the ICC women’s championship and have qualified for the ICC women’s world T20 qualifier 2018 were offered the opportunity to nominate players for the programme.
The selected rookies, placement dates and nominated clubs are as follows: Kathryn Bryce (Scotland), Adelaide Strikers, Dec 8-22; Rumana Ahmed (Bangladesh), Brisbane Heat, Jan 10-29; Sarah Bryce (Scotland), Hobart Hurricanes, Dec 15-31; Gaby Lewis (Ireland), Melbourne Renegades, Dec 29 – Jan 12; Khadija Tul Kubra (Bangladesh), Melbourne Stars, Jan 16-29; Ravini Oa (PNG), Perth Scorchers, Dec 28-Jan 6; Kim Garth (Ireland), Sydney Sixers, Jan 21-Feb 4; Sterre Kalis (Netherlands), Sydney Thunders, Dec 7-21.
ICC’s women cricket officer Holly Colvin highlights the importance of such programmes for upcoming cricketers.
“It is fantastic to collaborate once again with the WBBL which provides an unrivalled opportunity to eight rising stars competing outside of the ICC women’s championship in a professional elite environment,” Colvin said.
“The players can train alongside the very best and accelerate their development. This is an exciting time for the game and this investment assists us with growing the game across the world.”
Head of Big Bash Kim McConnie said she was delighted to be able to work with the ICC on such project.
“The WBBL has gone from strength to strength and it’s pleasing to again have the ICC’s support in making this initiative possible,” McConnie said.
“Women’s cricket across the globe is continuing to advance and having players from non-traditional cricket countries training and potentially playing with each of the WBBL clubs provides the opportunity for them to learn from some of the world’s best players.
“Last year we saw Ireland’s Kim Garth become the first rookie to represent their club and she ended up being part of the Sydney Sixers championship winning side, so we are excited to see what this year’s rookies have to offer.”
Oa, who will represent Perth Scorchers is looking forward to this experience.