PNG Men’s National Cricket Team Train-On Squad Trials Match as Final Selection Nears…

Port Moresby, PNG-: The road to 2025 international cricket representation narrowed today as Papua New Guinea’s Men’s Train-On Squad of 25 players participated in a 50-over cricket trial match, in preparations for two major upcoming tournaments this year, the 50-over ODI tournament in Jersey in August and the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Oman in October.

With just days to go before the final squad of 14 players are named in the National team the Barramundi’s, today’s match it was a proving ground. Under clear skies at the Amini Park in Port Moresby, players put their skills, fitness, and mindset to the test, knowing that selectors were watching every move. From this extended squad of 25, Cricket PNG will first narrow the group to 20 contracted players.

The final 14 selected will not only represent the country at two global events but will also form the core of PNG’s national team heading into a new competitive cycle. Chairman of the National Selection Panel, Hudson Api Leka, described the day’s match as “compelling” and applauded the hunger shown by both veterans and emerging players.

“What we witnessed today was the kind of fierce competition that drives excellence,” Leka said. “New and vibrant players challenged the old guard, proving that every position in the squad is up for grabs. This is exactly what we want—it keeps everyone sharp and ensures only the best wear the national colours.”

Over the last two months, the squad has gone through an intensive training program, with all players pushing each other to peak form. Leka confirmed that selectors will now be undertaking detailed performance assessments to finalise the squad. “Our focus is not only on who can perform now, but who can consistently deliver on the international stage. The final 14 will be a balanced mix of experience and future potential.”

Providing further insight into the team’s development, National Assistant Coach John Ovia shared an update on the squad’s preparation under the guidance of high-level coaching expertise. “We have had a very strong lead-up into this trial match. Over the past two weeks, we have been training under former Australian national coach Tim Nielsen, who has been instrumental in improving our batting and bowling disciplines,” Ovia said.

He also highlighted the contribution of other international fielding coaches, who have brought a professional edge to the team’s fielding work. “The guide and support from national coach sessions have been critical. The have broken down the basics on ground balls, high catches, low catches and the boys have responded well. It has made a big difference,” Ovia said.

Ovia added that the team dynamic has been strengthened by the mix of senior Barramundis players and rising stars, particularly the Under 19 Garamuts who recently returned from the U19 World Cup Qualifiers in Japan. Few Garamuts have been selected to the Barramundis Train on Squad.

“It’s been great to see the seniors like Captain Assad Vala, Sese Bau, Kabua Morea, and Alei Nao mentoring the younger players. The input from experienced players into the development of our juniors is making a real impact,” he said.

He also mentioned promising players as rising top-order batting talent, and younger players showing signs of readiness to step up to the next level. Ovia acknowledged the support from Cricket PNG’s leadership and Cricket PNG Board led by Michael Harrison.

“The backing from Cricket PNG has been good providing training resources, uniforms, travel, everything we need. The only thing they ask from us is to play our best cricket and win matches. That is what we are working toward every day,” he said.

With today’s trial match completed, attention now turns to final player reviews and performance data analysis. Selectors are expected to announce the final 14-player squad in the coming days. As the team sharpens its focus on Jersey and Oman, one thing is clear, competition is healthy, the preparation is solid, and the hunger to win burns bigger than ever.

“This is a defining moment for PNG Cricket,” said Chairman of selectors Leka. “Let’s continue to back our players as they fight for every opportunity and aim to bring pride to our country.” END ...// For media further details, please contact: (675) 76151402