Cricket PNG has announced the official 18 man squad that will be taking on both Japan and Vanuatu for the only spot in the East Asia-Pacific in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The team to be headed by Coach Nathan Reardon, features both a wealth of experience and young talent that have come up the ranks. The 18 man squad includes; Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Kipling Doriga, Jack Gardner, Riley Hekure, Hiri Hiri, Sema Keama, John Kariko, Alei Nao, Lega Siaka as Vice-Captain, Tony Ura, Assadollah Vala [Captain], Norman Vanua and Hila Vare, with reserves Chad Soper, Jason Kila and Michael Charles. Assisting Nathan Reardon in the team will be John Ovia (Team Manager) and Justin Sternes as assistant coaches. Reardon stated that the players are very excited leading into the EAP Finals and are certainly aware of the positive impact of qualifying for the 2024 World Cup, will have on cricket in Papua New Guinea. “As head coach I am certainly excited to be involved with CPNG again, as I was part of the team when we qualified in Dubai with Joe Dawes and I saw how positive this was for everyone involved in PNG cricket, so being coach to potentially get them into their 2nd World Cup is very special.” “We have been blessed with the support from PacificAus Sports and Kumul Petroleum PNG to help assist us with our preparations.” With the support of sponsor PacificAus Sports, Readon said it has also allowed CPNG to have fantastic coaches involved over the last 3 months to get the Barramundis skills where they need to be to dominate this tournament. “With the addition of Justin Sternes, who has over 25 years of coaching experience and as a selector, this has definitely helped me get the correct balance in our squad. Physically, the team has had a great 6-week lead up, with the ISUZU T20 SMASH sponsored by Boroko Motors Tournament, and centre wicket practices, there is no reason why we couldn’t be mentally prepared. “This upcoming week is about sharpening up the team’s skills, giving them some clarity around their individual roles and then giving them the freedom to back their skills. The players have 100% backing from the Coaching team.” Cricket PNG Board-Chairman Mick Harrison said they are proud to announce the Men’s squad for the upcoming EAP T20 World Cup Final to be held in Port Moresby from Saturday 22nd to Saturday 29th July, and congratulates and fully supports the team. “The Barras preparations are in full swing, and I am sure the other countries of Vanuatu, Philippines and Japan will be hot on their heels to take out the tournament.” This will be the second appearance for the Kumul Petroleum Barramundis in this prestigious tournament, which is a direct qualifier straight into the world cup from the East Asia Pacific region. Only one team can qualify from the tournament. Meanwhile, the staff and crew at Cricket PNG are working overtime to make sure the facility is ready for the event. The ICC ODI World Cup Trophy Tour is passing through PNG from the 18th of July to show off this magnificent country. This will be televised at the upcoming world cup and will showcase Papua New Guinea.