As the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy takes its world tour, Papua New Guinea is one of the stops it will make before moving on into the Pacific. The honor of hosting it, will be bestowed upon Gomore Village in the Rigo District of Central Province.
Ward Councilor for Gomore Village and President of the Sinaugoro Cricket Association Buri Magari said he is excited and thankful that his village will be welcoming the cup when it lands on the 20th. He said when he was first advised of the it would be making its way up to central province, particularly his village he was awestruck.
“As a ward member of the community, when we were first advised of the world cup was coming into Papua New Guinea and for it to make its way up to Central province, into Rigo District into my village, it’s a very proud moment for the community we’ve never had an opportunity for such a cup that’s celebrated around the World.”
He said the village is excited to celebrate the cup and gave thanks to Cricket PNG for giving them the opportunity to do so. Magari added that apart from Rugby League, Cricket is a sport that their community has enjoyed for a very long time since it was introduced by the London Missionary Society a century ago and this is an exciting event.
“Cricket goes back historically for us, so we’re honored to have the cup celebration in our community.”
He said at the same time this is also for the surrounding villages as well, as they have been invited to take part in the festivities. Magari further stated that there will be traditional dances and the Sinaugoro Cricket team will get a chance to showcase their talent against the PNG Cricket Academy team.
It is said that representatives of the Rigo District and the Provincial Administration will also be present to receive the World Cup. Meanwhile the country will also play host to the East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers this month.
The Barramundis will take on both Japan and Vanuatu to score a second appearance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.