Gaudi to represent PNG at ICC East Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Japan
Cricket Papua New Guinea Development Officer Quanaki Gaudi is set to represent PNG at the International Cricket Council [ICC] East Asia Pacific [EAP] Regional Conference 2026, a four-day gathering focused on strengthening the “Business of Sport” and connecting cricket with a younger audience across the region.
Held under the theme, 'Business of Sport – Connecting Cricket with a Younger Audience,' the conference comes at a pivotal time for the EAP region, with the 2026 Asian Games and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifiers in 2028 on the horizon. The event will bring together board directors, presidents, chief executive officers and general managers from across East Asia and the Pacific to explore innovative strategies for youth engagement and sustainable growth in cricket.
For Gaudi, who marks five years with Cricket PNG in 2026, the opportunity is both professionally significant and personally meaningful. She travelled today to Japan to attend this significant conference on behalf of Cricket PNG.
“I am excited and nervous about this trip to Japan,” she said. “This opportunity to travel overseas will be a first for me. I am humbled because this is not only my opportunity, it is our Cricket PNG Development Team’s opportunity.”
She credited her selection to the collective efforts of her colleagues working at the community level across the country, within Cricket Development in PNG.
“I got this opportunity because of the work they are doing and the meaningful work they have been doing in their communities regionally. It’s because of them I have this opportunity. I am grateful to the Board and Management of Cricket PNG for this opportunity. I am proudly representing them all,” she said.
The conference aims to further strengthen partnerships within the EAP region and position cricket as a dynamic, modern sport capable of inspiring the next generation.
With global tournaments approaching, the focus on youth engagement is seen as critical to expanding cricket’s footprint and ensuring long-term sustainability.
As a development officer, Ms Gaudi plays a frontline role in grassroots cricket initiatives, working closely with communities to nurture young talent and broaden participation. Her attendance at the conference reflects Cricket PNG’s commitment to investing in professional development and aligning local programmes with international best practice.
From the conference, she hopes to gain deeper insights into leadership, innovation and the commercial aspects of cricket administration.
“I want to learn more. I want to hear about what other countries are achieving successfully,” she said. “I want to do my job better and learn from leaders in the Business of Sports [Cricket]. There will be board directors, presidents, CEOs and general managers, and I would like to learn how they conduct their day and tackle challenges.”
While eager to absorb knowledge from regional counterparts, Ms Gaudi also intends to contribute Papua New Guinea’s own experiences to the discussion.
“As much as I listen and learn from all the delegates, I also want to share my experience,” she added.
Her participation underscores Cricket PNG’s growing presence within the EAP region and highlights the important role of development officers in shaping the future of the sport. As cricket continues to gain momentum in the Pacific, representation at high-level regional forums ensures that PNG remains actively engaged in conversations that will define the game’s next steps.
Cricket PNG congratulates Ms Gaudi on her selection and thanks her for her representation on this global platform in the Japan conference.