CRICKET TAKES ROOT IN WEST NEW BRITAIN

Runner ups of the ISUZU Men's T20 SMASH 2025: Black Bass. (L-R Back row, second) Cyril Kumasi with his team the Black Bass

Cricket in Papua New Guinea has been gaining attraction through the relentless efforts of Cricket PNG’s Game Development Program. One region that has shown remarkable growth in this space is West New Britain (WNB), where cricket has emerged from the shadows of more dominant sports. Cricket development in WNB officially began in 2010, with early efforts centered on charity games and informal weekend matches.

At the time, cricket was not widely known or played among the local population. A turning point came in May 2014, when Nathan Henry joined Cricket PNG as a Regional Cricket Manager (RCM). Henry began taking the sport to remote communities, teaching basic skills to a population where over 75% of participants had never seen a cricket game before. “I was once told by my first boss, Mr. Gayan Loku, ‘You will work for 10 years to have a representative come to come out of the provinciall team.’ It all worked out,” said Henry.

WNB has produced its first representative in the prestigious Isuzu T20 Smash, Cyril Kumasi, who began his cricket journey as a student at Sarakolok Primary School. His progression from the BSP School Kriket Program to the national stage has the impact and effectiveness of the grassroots cricket programs. Cyril Kumasi, a key all-rounder for the Black Bass Men's team, showcased his skill throughout the IZUSU Men's T20 Smash, playing to the grand final as runner-ups. He played in 10 matches contributing 17 runs with the bat in the lower order.

His true impact came with the ball, claiming an impressive 16 wickets. Kumasi’s cricket journey is an example of what consistent development and mentorship can achieve. Starting with fun skills games at the elementary level, he advanced through various age-grade competitions. This includes the, BSP School Kriket Blast (U13 & U15), U17 and U19 Hardball Competitions, Malolo Cup and Regional Championships.

His club, Sarakolok Comix Cricket Club, has also been instrumental in his growth. Reflecting on his recent debut at the Isuzu Smash Kumasi said: Kumasi said, “I am excited to be part of this Isuzu T20 Smash this year. The experience of being here is really good for me. I am giving my best in this tournament knowing I represent my province and the cricketers back home. It’s through cricket development that I’ve grown to love the game," he added.

Cricket in West New Britain is no longer a minor sport, with every bat swing and bowling run-up, it is becoming a symbol of opportunity, unity, and pride for a growing number of youths both girls and boys, who are now dreaming of wearing the national colors. The Growth of School Cricket in WNB Today, nearly 60% of schools in WNB actively participate in the BSP School Kriket Program, which has grown from 3 centres nationally to 11, reaching over 150,000 participants annually across PNG. WNB alone contributes significantly to this number, with cricket now being introduced in areas once considered unreachable.

Indoor cricket competitions in Kimbe remain an annual highlight, bringing together business houses and community stakeholders for social matches that further promote cricket's visibility and community involvement. WNB has been a steady contributor to national development camps, including the U19 Talent Identification Camps and Regional Championships, where the WNB U19 team finished second to Lae. Cricket PNG’s Development Department, under a strategic three-phase plan, is committed to:

•Reviewing and enhancing current pathways and programs

•Developing a 5-to-10-year strategic plan

•Maintaining and establishing strong partnerships Key pillars include school-based programs, inter-village and regional tournaments, female development initiatives, and cricket education (coaching, umpiring, curatorship).

Despite challenges in establishing a consistent local association, a group of committed senior cricketers and volunteers in WNB are working alongside the Cricket PNG Development Team to rebuild the WNB Cricket Association.

The goal is to create a robust administrative foundation that can support future competitions, talent scouting, and development initiatives. Strategic Goals for WNB Cricket:

1. Increase provincial representation in national cricket events

2. Expand reach to all schools and interested communities

3. Introduce cricket to other New Guinea Islands provinces

4. Continue meaningful contribution to the sport’s growth in PNG

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