‘T20 World Cup qualification puts country on world map’

By ROBINSON LEKA
CRICKET Papua New Guinea (CPNG) has commended the Barramundis on their automatic qualification for next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
CPNG general manager Lee McDowell told The National the Barramundis’ qualification had put PNG among some of the best cricketing countries in the world.
“Automatic World Cup qualification will see us play in the biggest cricket event watched by millions of viewers around the world,” he said.
“This puts PNG on the world map not only for cricket but as a proud sporting nation that can punch above its weight.
“It creates interest in our country and hopefully creates a flow-on effect on the nation.”
McDowell said such an achievement by a national team deserved praise from everyone in PNG, given the enormous hurdles that the Barramundis had to overcome to make their maiden World Cup appearance.
“We hope they get the accolades they deserve after arriving home next week and that the whole country, not just the cricket lovers, get behind this amazing team,” he said.
“To reach the World Cup, they had to win three levels of qualifiers under immense pressure.
“At associate-level cricket, you are playing for your livelihood in every game.
“More than 100 countries play this wonderful game and we have just entered the top echelon.”
McDowell also praised Barramundis head coach Joe Dawes for developing the team into a more competitive side, who now embark on a busy 12-month schedule which includes tournaments like the International Cricket Council World Cup League Two (50-over format) and T20 World Cup next October.