Fiji Name 2 Debutantes for PNG

Cricket Fiji have named two debutantes in their squad for the Pepsi ICC East-Asia Pacific Division 1 trophy hosted by Cricket PNG in July.

Australian-based quick Tasheed Tawheed and Nadi allrounder Vilikesa Driu are the two new faces in the 14-man squad which was named yesterday to travel to Papua New Guinea for the Twenty20 tournament.

Tawheed, 27, who plays grade cricket in Sydney, only gained Fijian citizenship in the last 12 months, while 23-year-old Vilikesa Driu first caught the eye of selectors in last year's Elite Player League and has continued to impress in the western competition and at this year's LICI Easter Tournament.

Josefa Rika will captain the team for a second time on tour, while Mohammed Imran Khan makes his return to the team for the first time in six years.

The 27-year-old teacher who is currently living in California, last played for Fiji in a World Cup qualifier in 2005.

He has been unavailable for selection ever since due to work, but has made himself available this year and comes into the team in hot form after being named the western region player of the year in the USA.

He will join the team in Fiji just a few days before they depart for PNG on July 1, while Jikoi Kida, who has just returned from an army posting in Sinai has also been selected.

Former Fiji captain Waisake Tukaha and bowler Kitione Tavo have forced their way back into the team after three year absences.

Cricket Fiji Player of the Year Iniasi Cakacaka is the oldest member of the squad at 43, while 20-year-old spinner Viliame Yabaki is the youngest.

Several members of the team, including captain Josefa Rika will be training at Albert Park today from 1pm for media seeking images or footage.

Fiji Squad: Jo Rika (Suva Association), Iniasi Cakacaka (Suva Association), Waisake Tukaha (Suva Association), Jikoi Kida (Suva Association), Sekove Ravoka (Western Association), Kitione Tavo (Suva Association), Jo Dabea (Suva Association), Mohammed Imran Khan (USA), Maciu Gauna ( Western Association), Viliame Yabaki (Suva Association), Sakaraia Lomani (Suva Association), Tasheed Tawheed (Australia), Vilikesa Driu (Western Association), Joji Bulabalvau (Suva Association)

Non travelling Reserves: Seru Tupou (Moce Association), Rukesh Patel (Western Association), Taniela Waqaituinayau (Western Association), Peni Dakai (Suva Association)

Coach: Stephen Jenkin
Assistant coach: Taione Cakacaka
Manager: Stephen Jenkin