PNG Lewas retain ODI status

Cricket PNG has achieved a major milestone with the confirmation that the national women’s team, the Lewas, has been granted Women’s One Day International [ODI] status for the 2025–2029 cycle, effective from May 12, 2025.

The recognition by the International Cricket Council [ICC] marks a significant moment in the development of women’s cricket in Papua New Guinea and underscores Cricket PNG’s ongoing efforts to elevate the profile of the women’s game on the international stage.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded ODI status for the 2025–2029 cycle,” said Richard Done, CEO of Cricket PNG.

“Over the last 12 months, we prioritised the Lewas, sending them on key international tours to Kenya and the UAE in March 2024, and the Netherlands in July 2024. We took a calculated risk, and it has now paid off.”

Done said the achievement provides a critical platform for the continued growth of the national team.

“It’s a great springboard for developing our Lewas further and aligns with our long-term ambition of qualifying for the Olympics, either Los Angeles 2028 or Brisbane 2032,” he said.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of our players, coaches, and staff.”

The announcement follows the ICC’s annual update of the Women’s T20I rankings on May 1, which confirmed ODI status for the three highest-ranked members not already qualified through the Women’s Cricket World Cup pathway.

Papua New Guinea retained its place in the top 12 of the ODI rankings and was awarded status alongside the Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond [KNCB] and Emirates Cricket Board, joining an elite group of nations competing at the highest level.

The expansion of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup to 10 teams in 2029 opens further opportunities for nations like PNG to contend on the global stage.

Lewas captain Brenda Tau welcomed the announcement, calling it a major step forward for the team.

“This gives us the certainty we need to continue to grow as a team. We are committed to being the best we can be and to proudly represent our country,” Tau said.

As part of the ICC’s criteria, all teams holding ODI status must establish and maintain domestic 40+ over competitions for at least two years leading up to the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup.

Cricket PNG has reaffirmed its commitment to building sustainable domestic pathways to ensure the women’s game thrives at all levels.

Done said CPNG is focused on identifying and nurturing the next generation of Lewas who will carry the nation’s flag with pride.