Hard work pays off

The PNG Barramundis’ recent success in qualifying for the ICC T20 World Cup has been the culmination of many years of hard work, battling through a highly competitive, multi-level qualification system.

With over 100 countries playing cricket around the world of differing economic, social and geographical backgrounds, it is a monumental achievement by the Barras to reach the top echelon in world cricket.

Cricket PNG says this success justifies the investment that their organisation has put into their sport and the vision by their leaders to formulate a plan for success and to follow it through. They have attracted the right people in the likes of CEO Greg Campbell and Coach Joe Dawes who, with their expertise and passion for cricket, have delivered PNG to the world stage.   

Lee McDowell, General Manager of Cricket PNG, when asked how this was achieved, said: “It has been a team effort over a long period of time, both past and present board members, employees, sponsors and of course the CEO’s. It is all these people’s dedication and commitment that allows the coaching staff and players to focus on their job and have the best possible facilities and resources available to them to achieve their goals.

“We must thank all of them, sponsors like BSP School Kriket, where many of these players started honing their cricket skills, Pacific Sports Partnership and Oil Search Foundation that help us run our community cricket programs that give the opportunity for villagers to be introduced to our sport while learning valuable life lessons. These kids can now be inspired by the Barras and start to formulate their own dreams.

“Swire Shipping support our Talent Identification programs all over the country, looking for the next Barra or Lewa. This helps support all our hard working game development regional managers and their development officers in the provinces. The list is endless, but all are a part of this and will enjoy the ride over the next year as we make history playing our first World Cup game in October 2020.”

(PNG Barramundis celebrating their spot in next year's men's World Cup – Picture: Cricket Australia)

Author: 
Press release