CRICKET PNG will join the global celebration of women’s cricket this week by hosting a special Criiio Cricket World Cup event on Thursday, 18 June 2026, as part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) worldwide “Catch the Spirit” campaign.
As part of the ICC campaign, Cricket PNG joins more than 100 cricket nations around the world in celebrating women’s cricket and promoting greater participation at all levels.
The event will bring together young female players from communities across the National Capital District and Central Province to celebrate the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Six community teams will participate, with approximately 42 Under-15 girls taking part directly in the competition and more than 100 female participants expected to engage in activities throughout the day.
The event aligns with Cricket PNG’s development theme, “Dream Big, Play Bold,” and aims to increase awareness of women’s cricket while providing young girls with an opportunity to experience the excitement and atmosphere of a World Cup event.
Cricket PNG Domestic Operations Manager, Rarua Dikana said, the initiative is an important opportunity to connect local communities with the global women’s cricket movement.
“Although Papua New Guinea is not competing in this year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup, we still want our young girls & women to be part of the celebration and be inspired by what is happening on the world stage,” Dikana said.
“The purpose is to encourage more girls to participate in cricket, raise the profile of women’s cricket and create opportunities for future generations to dream of representing Papua New Guinea,” he added.
Participating communities include Hanuabada, Pari, Kila Kila, Vabukori and Mahuru, all of which have strong cricket traditions and continue to contribute to the growth of the sport.
The event will also serve as a talent identification opportunity while strengthening community engagement and showcasing the positive impact of cricket on young women and girls.
Cricket PNG, Game Development Officer Quanaki Gaudi, in lead confirmed the participating teams are ready for the tournament.
“Cricket PNG is prepared to host the Criiio Word Cup and it is good to hear the teams are ready for a good tournament,” he said.
“As the days count down we also invite other communities, schools and organisations to drop by Amini Park to experience the Criiio World Cup and support women in sports – cricket,” he concluded.
The Criiio Cricket World Cup event reflects Cricket PNG’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive opportunities and ensuring more girls have access to cricket pathways throughout the country.