PNG unveils development strategic plan

Cricket PNG has unveiled its development plan which will see the establishment of an Elite Training Academy at Amini Park with work scheduled to be completed by September 2010.

The new multi-purpose facility will house a gymnasium, health and recovery centre, outdoor training centre and a turf wicket at Ken Lifu reserve.

Cricket PNG CEO Bill Leane said: "It is critical for Cricket in PNG to have a place in the international stage. It is our desire to be able to host events such as the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League tournaments and East Asia Pacific regional events as the only country in the region with turf. The facilities will help improve PNG's world ranking to 15 or better so that PNG can participate in the ICC Intercontinental Cup."

"The world-class facilities allow Cricket PNG to maximise its elite training. We will have a safe, flat, cushioned surface for athlete testing and training using the latest camera and computer programs to analyse techniques and correct flaws as we find them. The centre's retractable net construction will allow many configurations and we can have six lanes for training," he added.