Papua New Guinea’s national men’s cricket squad sharpened their competitive edge yesterday 10th July 2025 in a crucial 50-over trial match held at Amini Park in Port Moresby city.
The session was part of the final evaluation phase for the Barramundis Train-On Squad, ahead of two major international tournaments:
- 50-over ODI tournament in Jersey, United Kingdom this August
- ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Muscat, Oman.
The match brought together 25 top players under the national selection radar. The squad will soon be narrowed to 20 contracted athletes, and from there, the final 14 will be chosen to represent PNG on the global stage.
“This trial match was particularly compelling,” said Mr. Hudson Api Leka, Chairman of the Cricket PNG National Selection Panel. “New and vibrant players displayed gutsy performances, challenging the established names and proving that every position in the squad is hotly contested.”
The past two months of intense training have seen seasoned Barramundis and fresh talents push each other to peak form. According to Mr. Leka, this internal competition is essential for team growth and international success.
“This healthy competition is exactly what we want,” he said. “It keeps players on their toes and ensures that only the best earn the right to wear our national colours.”
Since gaining ODI status in 2014 and appearing at their first ICC T20 World Cup in 2021, Papua New Guinea has steadily grown its presence on the world cricket stage.
The current squad aims not only to qualify for upcoming tournaments but also to build a long-term elite core for future competitions.
“The final 14 will not only represent our country but will also form the core group that we will continue to develop,” Mr. Leka said. “With the talent, determination and fighting spirit displayed yesterday, I am confident we will assemble a formidable team that will make our nation proud.”
The announcement of the contracted 20-player squad is expected in the coming weeks, followed by the final 14-player lineup who will carry the red, black and gold to international grounds once more.