By GLADYS KILA
A 14-men squad from the Cricket PNG Garamuts will be flying to Japan this Sunday (20th April 2025) to compete in the ICCT20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Division 1 qualifier.
The squad selected are: Gaba Frank as captain, Dauncy Tom as Vice-captain, Alund Robinson Boge, Anthony Tamarua David, Raraua Dikana JNR, Dai Mahuru, Igo Morea, Vagi Vani Morea, Frank Collin Naime, Lekwa Nao, Oala PUKA, David Taraka, Ruka Raho, and Ware Robbin.
Cricket PNG Selector Hudson Leka said, the team have shown great commitment and improvement throughout their preparation.
This team is a blend of talented youths who have worked hard to earn their places.
Leka said, they are confident that they will perform well at the ICC T20 world cup East Asia Pacific Division 1 Qualifier and continue to represent PNG with pride and determination.
Their participation follows on from the Garamuts win in the EAP Division Qualifier in Samoa in 2024.
The match is set to take place in Sano, Japan, from the 24th to 29th April, against Japan and Fiji who qualified by finishing 2nd and 3rd in the previous division 1 qualifier in Darwin in 2023.
According to CPNG Deputy Chairman and former Barramundi Ranu Dikana, they haven’t taken this qualifier lightly.
“We want to maintain that status as the top junior side across the East Asia Pacific region. So, these boys have an enormous task ahead of them to get through the ICC T20 World Cup,” he said.
Dikana said, prior to the event the Garamuts have been under the guidance of their coaching team, including high performance manager, Time Nielson.
“Tim brings a wealth of experience to the team with a proven track record in the elite level cricket coaching. He was the Australian coach from 2007 to 2011 and the south Australia CA high performance Manager for over 8 years.
“His leadership is set to provide the team with the expertise needed for the demanding qualifying competition.”
Cricket PNG CEO Richard Done said, Cricket PNG is proud to announce the team representing PNG stating this group of players have done a lot of hard work to qualify for the competition.
Done encouraged the team to be their best in this competition.
Kila Leka coach said, despite the weather conditions, the team managed to pull through their preparations and training ahead of the game.
He said, this competition is an opportunity to showcase talents.
Leka called on the country men and women to throw their support behind the Garamuts as they are not representing themselves but the country as a whole.