Mendi hosts Highlands cricket tournament

Cricket Papua New Guinea [CPNG] has successfully rolled out a two-day umpiring and scoring workshop in Mendi, Southern Highlands, ahead of the province's historic Liklik Cricket Smash tournament.

The specialized training, which ran from June 27–28, was designed to equip local volunteers and cricket enthusiasts with the necessary match officiating skills.

The upcoming Liklik Cricket Smash, scheduled to bowl off this Saturday, is the first organized cricket tournament of its kind to be hosted in the Highlands region.

CPNG data systems and development coordinator Helai Willie said the initiative represents a massive milestone for grassroots development as the code expands into new territory.

"The response from the Highlands has been outstanding, and we sincerely thank the people of Mendi for their support and participation," Willie said. "We at Cricket PNG are looking forward to seeing these newly trained officials put their knowledge into practice during the upcoming Liklik Cricket Smash.

"This will be a historic first for the Highlands region and an important step in growing cricket in this part of PNG."

The foundational umpiring clinic was facilitated by CPNG consultant Lakani Oala and drew a total of 47 local participants, including 15 women.

The sessions introduced participants to the fundamental laws of cricket, match management protocols, official umpiring signals, and community-level decision-making skills.

Willie commended the local turnout and spoke highly of the concentration and enthusiasm shown by the participants, displayed a strong appetite for the sport in the province.

The workshop forms a core part of CPNG’s wider grassroots development strategy to ensure emerging rural competitions are supported by qualified officials while establishing pathways for regional umpires and scorers.