PNG to play in South Australian Premier League

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) national cricket team created history on Friday when they became the first national sporting team from the Pacific nation to be accepted to compete in an Australian domestic competition.

The team will participate in the first season of the newly formed South Australian Cricket Association's (SACA) Premier League competition that will begin later this year.

Known affectionately in their home country as the 'Barramundis,' the PNG team who are currently ranked 19th in the world will strut their stuff against four teams from South Australia and one from the Northern Territory in a mix of T20 and 50 over cricket.

The SACA Premier League is a new initiative from the Adelaide-based State Association and consolidates the critical mass of elite South Australian talent in order to provide a tougher, more rigorous elite pathway into the West End Redbacks side.

SACA Director of Cricket, Jamie Cox, said Papua New Guinea's commitment would make a significant difference to the League.

"The Barramundis are a successful team that is on the improve and they are well supported by a well organised and resourced national cricket system."

"PNG introduces a second new elite team to the competition and is another important step in making sure local players are first-class ready," Cox said.

ICC East-Asia Pacific's Regional Development Manager, Kieran McMillan believes that support such as this from state and national cricketing bodies is crucial to realizing the full potential of developing nations such as PNG.

"One of the key strategic priorities for the ICC in building a bigger, better global game is to accelerate the development of more competitive teams on the international stage," said McMillan. "To achieve this objective the ICC supports its members to complement their current international program, particularly through seeking appropriate playing opportunities within Full Member countries. The SACA Premier League is a very exciting opportunity for Cricket PNG to connect with Australian Cricket."

Cricket PNG's chairman, Mr Mick Nades was elated when SACA confirmed the inclusion of PNG.

"This is fantastic news for Cricket PNG and for the PNG Hebou Barramundi's. This gives us a great opportunity for our players to be exposed at the first-class level and play some quality cricket on a weekly basis. Hopefully some of our players can impress and can be picked up in one of the state teams."

Australia's High Commissioner to PNG, Mr Ian Kermish was also quick to congratulate Cricket PNG.

"Congratulations to Cricket PNG on this exciting announcement and historic achievement. A common love of sport binds our two countries, and we wish them every success for their season in Australia."

This competition is just one of a number of important events in the Cricket PNG schedule over the next 12 months.

The Barramundis will participate in the final stages of qualifying for the 2014 World T20 when they take part in the 16 team World T20 Qualifier in Dubai in November. A top six finish at that event will book them a place in Bangladesh.

Then in early 2014 the side will be in New Zealand attempting to qualify for the 2015 World Cup.