Papua New Guinea is the latest addition to the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC), in a bid to unite and celebrate First Nations cricketers from around the world.<\/p>\n
The nation been welcomed into the competition, after an application from the PNG Cricket Chairman, Michael Harrison.<\/p>\n
“There was a spare spot,” Mr Harrison said.<\/p>\n
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He said the team reached out to PacificAus Sports who floated the idea with the Indigenous Cricket Council.<\/p>\n
“They’ve agreed to let Papua New Guinea be in the Men’s comp.”<\/p>\n
The NICC will take place in Mackay, Queensland, on Yuwibara Country from April 14 to 19. <\/p>\n
The competition will host eight men’s and five women’s teams, including the newly recruited PNG men’s squad, the Barramundis.<\/p>\n
The Barramundis are the nation’s senior men’s cricket team. They’ve had over 100 men wear the uniform since their establishment and first match over 50 years ago.<\/p>\n
Captained by Asadollah Vala, the team, affectionately nicknamed the Barras, have had a string of success – recently qualifying for the World Cup.<\/p>\n
“We qualified for the World Cup in the West Indies last year, ” said Mr Harrison<\/p>\n
“So in the T-20 World Cup, we are currently ranked 21 in the world.”<\/p>\n
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The Barramundi’s won’t be playing for the championship, only participating as an invitational side – playing in round matches and not competing for points or a spot in the final.<\/p>\n
Despite this, the opportunity is special for the Barras, who see it as a chance to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers and improve their skills for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n
“We just need good practice,” Mr Harrison said.<\/p>\n
“This opportunity has come up so we’re going to take it!”<\/p>\n
Cricket Australia’s chief of cricket, James Allsopp, said the inclusion of the Barramundis cemented the importance of Indigenous cricket pathways and the PacificAus Sports initiative.<\/p>\n
The 2025 men’s champion side, Queensland, will defend it’s title against New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory.<\/p>\n
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While the Western Australian women’s side will try for back to back victory against squads from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and SA.<\/p>\n
Played in a round-robin format, players will compete from April 14 to 18, with the 17th scheduled as a cultural activities day. <\/p>\n
The top two teams of each division will progress to the finals at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on April 19, with additional matches played at Harrup Park.<\/p>\n
The 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships will be broadcast live on NITV and SBS On Demand on April 18 and 19.<\/p>\n
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