Jason KILA | All-rounder batsman and bowler
All-rounder batsman and bowler Jason has been with the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis for a decade.
Kila expressed his experience with his time with PNG National Cricket Team Barramundi.
“It’s been helping me to stay disciplined. And I’ve grown. Cricket has taught me how to be professional off the field as well,” said Kila.
Like his other teammates, family plays a big role in his achievement to be selected into the Natinal Team.
Kila recalled as a small boy growing up in Hula, he always watched his uncle Vavine Pala’s cricket games. Vavine is one of PNG’s pioneer cricketers featured in the first ICC Trophy tournament in 1979. He is the inspiration behind Kila’s love of the sport.
Eventually joining his local club and fast forward to 2021, he is representing his country in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The ambitious 31-year-old says all he is looking forward to now is competing.
“We’ve trained for two years and I’m just looking forward to playing the game. It’s going to be tough but we will play our best cricket,” Kila said.
He adds that this is a great opportunity as well to learn from other countries especially from cricket mad followers.
Moreover, sticking to his pre-game routine Kila says he always makes sure his body gets the rest it needs so he performs to his best for the team and the country.
“I sleep early to rest my body. I must have enough rest before I play.”
Jason Kila is fun bloke to be around. When asked about his best time with the Barramundis he jokingly states he cannot remember all the places cricket has taken him, but warmly recalls their tour to Dubai.
“It brings back good memories. It was there that we qualified for the World Cup so I want to visit Dubai again. Such a good feeling,” he said.
Although this isn’t his first away game Kila made it clear that he missed the home feeling during PNG Independence celebrations, his family and most of all his two-year-old son.
As the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis are away he encourages fellow Papua New Guineans to show their support by keeping the team in their prayers and positively says the boys [Barras] will surely give their best.