Cricket PNG names Barramundis squad for 2025 Jersey Cricket World Cup Challenge
Photo:
Cricket PNG
Cricket Papua New Guinea (PNG) has announced a strong 14-member Barramundis squad to the 2025 Jersey Cricket World Cup Challenge League A competition.
The event will be held from 12 August to 3 September.
PNG will meet Denmark, Kuwait, Kenya, Qatar and hosts Jersey in round two of League A, played over 50 overs.
Last year, the Barramundis won four of their five matches in round one, held in Zimbabwe.
The top two teams after the third and final round in 2026 will go to the World Cup in 2027.
Cricket PNG Board Chairman Michael Harrison made the announcement on Tuesday in Port Moresby, alongside selection panel chairman Hudson Leka, deputy chairman Rurua Dikana and coach John Ovia.
The squad will be led by experienced captain Assadollah Vala, with Sese Bau named as vice-captain.
Harrison said the squad is a mix of experienced hands and new players.
"I want to congratulate the 14 players selected to represent Papua New Guinea on the Jersey Tour," he said.
"This squad is a blend of experience and emerging talent, and we are confident they will make the nation proud. We wish them all the best as they prepare to showcase PNG's cricketing strength on the international stage."
Coach Ovia expressed confidence in the squad.
"We have put in a lot of hard work leading up to this tour, and I'm confident in the ability and commitment of our boys," he stated.
"This tour will be a good test of our skills, character, and team spirit.
"The focus now is on fine-tuning before we hit the ground in Jersey. I believe these selected players in the Barramundi's team has what it takes to deliver strong performances."
Selection chairman Leka said the process was not easy but they kept to their system.
"The selection process was rigorous, and we looked closely at performance, fitness, and team balance," he said.
"We are proud of the squad we have named, it is competitive, and it reflects the depth we have in PNG cricket.
"These players have earned their spots, and I'm confident they will represent the country with pride."
The team is scheduled to depart for Jersey on August 11 and will meet Guernsey, ina warm-up game on August 14.
The Barramundis will return to Jersey and play Kuwait in their opener on August 23.
Other matches are scheduled against Kenya on August 27, Jersey on August 28 and Qatar on August 30.
Barramundis Jersey Tour squad:
Assadollah Vala (captain), Sese Bau (vice-captain), Kipling Doriga, Hila George Vaieke Vare, Patrick Nou, Kabua Vagi Morea, Alei Nao, John Lohia Mea Kariko, Michael Charlie, Damien Ravu, Vagi Guba, Boio Ray, Jason Kila, Peter Karoho
Officials:
John Ovia (coach), Matteo Amabile (team manager/physio), Kila Pala (assistant coach), Alex Stewart-High (performance coach)
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