Lewas seeking clarity on measures

CRICKET Papua New Guinea (CPNG) is seeking clarification from relevant authorities so that the national women’s team, who are preparing for their World Cup qualifiers, can continue training within the 20-people gathering limit.
“CPNG believes that cricket does comply with this and would like to be able to play and train in accordance with all lockdown measures,” the sport’s governing body said in a statement.
“While we await confirmation of our interpretation of the new measures, CPNG has suspended all cricket, and has instituted full Coronavirus (Covid-19) protocols, allowing only small-group training.”
Cricket is a non-contact, outdoor sport, where at no time are there more than 15 people on the field – 11 fielders, two batters and a pair of umpires.
“A cricket field is a large outdoor space, the approximate size of two rugby fields, where it is rare for any player to be within two metres of each other, and even then, they do not touch,” the governing body said.
“CPNG acknowledges that no spectators can be permitted to games to be compliant with these measures.
“CPNG, as much as any sport, has been at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19 in PNG.
“All our contracted players and staff are vaccinated, and we have consistently promoted vaccination.
“We have protocols in place that all staff and visitors to CPNG must follow, including mask use.
“We maintain separate areas for each team off the field during games, ensuring that we stay well below the 20-people gathering limit.
“We are hopeful for a quick and positive response to our submission to clarify the lockdown measures, as it is important for our fully-vaccinated Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas to be able to train and play matches with only four weeks left before they depart for Zimbabwe in their own World Cup qualifying tournament.
“We are confident that the authorities understand that CPNG is committed to work constructively with them, champion vaccination and diligently practises Covid-19-safe habits.”