The dates for the 2024 Cricket PNG T20 SMASH competition have been revealed, along with the initial player drafts for both men’s and women’s events.
Tony Barlow, Dealer Principal of Boroko Motors, expressed delight as ISUZU was confirmed as the naming rights sponsor for the competition when highlighting Boroko Motors’ long standing support for PNG Cricket.
CPNG CEO Richard Done said the ISUZU T20 SMASH is a great lead-up for PNG’s elite cricketers who will proudly represent Papua New Guinea internationally.
“The Barramundis will be attending the 20-team International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies, our Siales U19 Women’s team playing in Bali, Indonesia, and Garamuts U19 men’s team competing in Apia, Samoa, all within the first half of 2024.”
The ISUZU T20 SMASH matches take place at Amini Park in the Bisini Sports precinct at Boroko in the National Capital District, with the Men’s Fixtures kicking off on the Easter weekend, starting Friday, March 29th, while the Women’s Fixtures commence on Saturday, April 20th, following the return of the CPNG Lewas from their tour to Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
CEO Done announced that the Men’s Final is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th, and the Women’s Final for Saturday, May 4th.
“The first draft of players in each Men’s and Women’s Teams has been completed with five (5) Barramundis and four (4) Garamut’s players drafted into their respective men’s teams, and five (5) Lewas and four (4) Siales drafted into the women’s teams.”
There are 13 players in each of the teams and a second draft, open to the public, will allow an opportunity for four (4) more players to be included in each of the Men’s Teams, and three (3) players in each of the Women’s Teams.
The final places in the Women’s Teams will be made up of four (4) marquee players, with one joining each of the four teams.
Interested current cricketers in PNG (either born in PNG or holding a PNG passport) may nominate for those vacant spots from 16th March until 23rd March, they can check CPNG’s website or social pages for more information.