PNG unveils "Don't Drink and Drive" campaign

Cricket PNG has announced that the upcoming Cricket Australia Indigenous side's tour of Papua New Guinea will be played under the "Don't Drink and Drive" banner.

This tour consists of two Twenty20 and two 50-over matches between the Cricket Australia Indigenous XI and the Papua New Guinea Barramundi's and will be known as the "Don't Drink and Drive" Challenge.

This event will be the first time that an international series has been played on a turf wicket in Papua New Guinea.

Cricket PNG CEO, Bill Leane, declared the "Don't Drink and Drive" Campaign to be the main social challenge taken on by Cricket PNG due to the tragic number of road trauma and deaths caused annually by "Drink Driving". Cricket PNG strongly believes that alcohol and sport don't mix and this event further demonstrates our commitment to the campaign.

This "Don't Drink and Drive" event firmly cements cricket as a leading international sport in PNG. The world-class facilities at Amini Park and our massive participation growth across the country are the envy of all other codes. Being able to use our growing profile to support such a pressing public health issue is of critical importance to our code.

Bill went on to thank Pacific MMI and Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited for their support and their leadership on the alcohol abuse related problems and declared that the "Don't Drink and Drive" message is one with which Cricket PNG is proud to be associated.

The "Don't Drink and Drive" Challenge will be played at Amini Park from the 23-27 July 2010.

Cricket PNG has also confirmed that the Cricket Australia Indigenous XI will be led by an international cricketing legend, former Australian fast bowler Craig McDermott.

Bill Leane said "It will be doubly exciting that this event will see a Craig McDermott-coached Australian XI take on the Andy Bichel-coached and Rarua Dikana-led PNG Barramundi's. Our boys are in serious training to make sure that our new turf wicket is christened with a series win".