PNG skipper highlights performance of Barramundis

By ROBINSON LEKA
PAPUA New Guinea skipper Assad Vala has noted strong performances by his men in the past decade following his shortlisting for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) men’s associate player of the decade award.
He told The National yesterday that he was not aware of his nomination and was shocked over his shortlisting.
“I didn’t actually know about the nomination,” the 33-year-old said.
“We were winding down after one of our training sessions when our coach made the announcement.
“My teammates and I were shocked and excited about the news.
“I’m still trying to process it.
“But I’m really happy.
“I can’t thank my coaches and teammates enough for helping me get to where I am today.
“While this year was disturbed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the nomination provided some good news and teammates and family have been right behind me since.
“For now, all I want to do is concentrate on training with the team and make sure we are ready for next year’s T20 World Cup.
“I’m not too worried about the result for the award.
“It has been a really good decade for cricket in PNG.
“We have a lot talented players and the highlight of it all was when we qualified for the World Cup.
“For those men who played in the qualifiers last year, they’re all in their prime and I have no doubt that they will give their best shot for PNG.”