PNG is one of the five Pacific Island teams at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific sub-regional qualifier.
Photo: Facebook / Cricket PNG
Papua New Guinea national men’s cricket team coach is confident the side is ready and focused to compete at next week’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Sub-regional Qualifier.
The tournament will be held in Japan from 8-18 May.
Tim McCaskill has made five changes to the Barramundis squad that toured Oman in October 2025.
“We are very pleased with the balance of this squad,” he said in a Cricket PNG statement on Wednesday.
“The players have come off a strong campaign in Mackay, and that has given us a solid platform heading into this tournament.
“There is a great mix of experience and youth, and we are confident in our ability and looking forward to strong performances in Japan.”
The Barramundis had some warm up games at the recent National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) in Mackay, Australia.
PNG is one of the five Pacific Island teams at the qualifier; others being Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu.
They will be joined by host Japan, Indonesia, Philippines and the South Korea.
The event acts as a qualifier path for the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Cricket PNG said Tony Ura returns with valuable experience and added strength to the batting lineup.
There will be some debutants, including Ryan Ani and Aue Oru, who have been rewarded with their first call-ups following impressive performances in the Boroko Motors, Isuzu T20 Smash competition locally.
Ani is a left-handed batter, while Oru is a versatile medium pacer capable of delivering across all phases of the innings.
Another is 18-year-old left-handed batter Gaba Frank, who also bowls leg-spin and is regarded as one of the program’s exciting young prospects.
Selector Jamie Brazier said the squad reflects the continued growth and competitiveness within the program.
“This selection highlights the depth we are continuing to build,” he said.
“The five changes from our previous tour show that players are pushing hard for opportunities, and that competition is strengthening the overall standard of the group.”
“We are pleased to welcome back Tony Ura, whose experience will be important, while also giving opportunities to emerging players who have performed consistently at national and domestic level.”
The team will depart Port Moresby on 5 May.
Barramundis squad: 1. Assadollah Vala (captain), 2. Sese Bau, 3. Kabua Vagi Morea, 4. Patrick Nou, 5. Alei Nao, 6. John Kariko, 7. Hila Vare, 8. Michael Charlie, 9. Lega Siaka, 10. Tony Ura, 11. Boio Ray, 12. Gaba Frank, 13. Ryan Ani, 14. Aue Oru
Team management: Tim McCaskill (head coach), John Ovia (assistant coach), Harrison Bourne (physiotherapist), Hudson Leka (team manager)
