Cricket Australia has joined forces with the federal government to provide opportunities for cricketers in PNG and Vanuatu to take on Australian teams.
Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu’s national men’s and women’s teams are set to regularly face off against Australian cricketers as part of a new program to fast-track the development of the two Pacific nations.
Former Perth Scorchers seamer and Lewas head coach, Kath Hempenstall, said there was certainly some untapped cricketing talent within PNG.
“However, as a developing cricket nation, providing regular opportunities for our players to compete at an international level can be a challenge,” she said.
"The partnership … will allow our players to participate in the same competitions and high-performance programs that their Australian cricketing idols have come through.
“It is in line with our ambition of representing PNG at all upcoming ICC World Cups.”
Australia’s national men’s and women’s indigenous cricket teams will also tour Vanuatu to play Vanuatu’s national sides and undertake community engagement activities as part of the program.
Vanuatu Cricket Association President Mark Stafford said it was their priority to increase female participation and hopes the indigenous women’s tour will help “encourage more of our young girls to start playing our game”.
(Source: Cricket Australia)