Cricket Papua New Guinea has launched its new educational resource book, Cricket Numeracy in PNG, designed to combine the excitement of cricket with practical mathematics learning.
The book, printed and distributed nationwide, contains interactive activities that promote both cricket and numeracy in fun, engaging ways for students. On Monday, 25 May, Cricket PNG Game Development Officers and staff took part in a professional development session to strengthen the cricket numeracy component of their school and community outreach programs.
The first two copies of the book were presented to Annette and Lakani Oala, in memory of their daughter, Loa Oala.
Loa was a student at Zion Zeal Christian Academy, where many of the cricket numeracy lessons were first trialed in 2025.
During the training, staff explored hands-on methods of teaching mathematical concepts through cricket.
Activities included calculating the probability of winning a toss, practicing faster scoring through mental computation, and creating cricket simulation games using dice and playing cards.
Volunteer Anthony Healy, who led the session, described the launch as a historic day for Cricket PNG.
“One of the most popular activities was Slips or Cow Corner, which tested participants’ reaction times using a wooden ruler and recording scale,” he said.
Staff also enjoyed Criiio Simulator, an activity created by Game Development Officer Helai Willie. Using a standard pack of playing cards, the game simulates an innings of Criiio Cricket while reinforcing numeracy and strategic thinking.
Looking ahead, Willie said the team is ready to take the program into schools and communities. “With the resource book on hand, we are now fully prepared for our outreach programs. It is an exciting year for Cricket PNG to grow the sport and teach in schools, communities, and groups in both theory and practice,” he said.
This initiative reflects Cricket PNG’s ongoing commitment to using sport as a tool for education, learning, and community development across the country.