Sandri to lead Barras

FORMER Sydney Thunder all-rounder Carl Sandri has been appointed by Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) as the new national coach and high performance manager.
The Australian-born former Italian cricketer takes over from Joe Dawes ahead of the Barramundis’ (national men’s cricket team) T20 World Cup debut in India later this year.
Sandri, 37, will start his appointment this week although he is still awaiting clearence to arrive in Port Moresby.
His role will oversee all three national squads as well as the high performance department and talent development.
“We are delighted to welcome Carl to CPNG as our new national coach and high performance manager,” CPNG chief executive Greg Campbell said in a statement yesterday.
“We have been through an extensive search and we must thank Joe for his help in this process to find a suitable replacement.
“Carl has an extensive professional coaching resume across men’s, women’s and junior representative cricket and high performance.
“This includes roles within Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria, Big Bash League and with Italy in associate cricket where he also represented as a player.
“He has coached and played all over the world, providing him with an in-depth knowledge of what is required to be successful as an International Cricket Council associate member.
“Joe has done an outstanding job over the last three years and I’m sure Carl is the coach to progress this work in what is a very big year for CPNG, in particular the Barramundis’ T20 World Cup debut.
“There will be a handover period where Joe and Carl will work closely with the coaching staff and players to manage a smooth transition.
“Unfortunately, with world the way it is at the moment, Carl is not in country yet, but a plan is in place and we have invested in technology to manage this situation as best we can.”
When asked about his successor, Dawes said he was upbeat.
“Carl is a ripper, he has tremendous experience, high-quality references and reputation and has the advantage of already being involved within associate cricket.
“He is enthusiastic, has passion for the game, is certainly qualified and will fit in well at CPNG especially with the playing group.
“We have discussed the transition and will work closely with each other over the coming months, but I have no doubt he is going to do a great job.
“ I know he’s excited to get to PNG and get started. The players are excited too, they are professionals and will handle the transition well.
“The past year has thrown many challenges at the group, they continue to work hard and have stayed focused.
“With Carl joining the team, I think the enthusiasm will lift again as the new relationships build and develop.”
At this stage, CPNG is unsure of Sandri’s exact arrival date as it navigates the process and protocols under the Covid-19 restrictions.