Cricket PNG announces Barramundi squad

The Future Stars Scholarship Programme has paid massive dividends for the Cricket PNG Barramundis. As announced by Sir Brian Bell to the media on 9 December 2009, the three-year programme has been designed to underpin the future success of cricket in PNG.

The PNG Barramundi team to face the visiting Cricket Australia National Indigenous Team in PNG's first home international Series on turf contains nine recipients of the scholarship programme.

Andy Bichel, PNG National Coaching Director said: "The experience our scholarship holders have in tough and competitive Australian Premier Club competitions on turf gives our team an edge that we have never had before."

"To have the opportunity over the next two-three years to build on commitments and contracts made with overseas clubs, means our emerging and future talent will develop at a level where the Barramundis can exceed past performances and climb to new heights."

"Four players from our ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2010 side, who were part of the programme have burst into calculation and have been included in this team," he announced.

"Tony Ura, Raymond Haoda Jnr and John Boge Reva have all benefitted greatly from playing in Australia and New Zealand thanks to the programme."

The team for the Don't Drink and Drive Series will be led by PNG Sportsman of the Year ? Rarua Dikana - who is also a recipient of the scholarship in an effort to develop his coaching skills for the future.

"Cricket PNG national teams get a massive kick start from the support of the programme," stated Cricket PNG Chairman Mick Nades MBE. "Without its ongoing support, the future cricketing talent of PNG would be severely impacted."

The full squad is as follows: