Rupa to make debut among cricket veterans
Papua New Guinea’s emerging cricketer Doko Rupa is set to make his debut for the national men’s team when they depart for their One-Day International Tour tomorrow as the PNG Barramundi’s prepare to compete in the 2026 ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League in Kenya.
The 28-year old is prepared to give his best in the Cricket World Cup Challenge League in Kenya following the Barras 14-player squad announcement earlier this week.
Originally from Hula, Central province, Doko Rupa started his career with the Lae Cricket Association through the Hoods Cricket Club in Morobe, before being selected fly over to Port Moresby to compete.
Despite Rupa being selected in the PNG Barras previous tour, he did not make an appearance, until the One Day International (ODI) Kenya Tour squad was named recently.
He said being named as a starting wicketkeeper is a great opportunity and a privilege for him to represent his family, his local clubs in Port Moresby and Lae and the rest of PNG.
Rupa looks forward to compete alongside veterans including the captain Asad Vala, Tony Ura, Sese Bau and Lega Siaga to name a few.
“This is my second time being selected into the PNG Barras squad but the first time to be given a rare opportunity to play as a starting wicketkeeper.”
“I play in the Hoods Cricket Club in Lae, Morobe, from there I was selected to come and play in Port Moresby where I also play in the same club.”
“I was surprise when I saw the squad list. I am grateful for this opportunity, so as my family and I look forward to representing them, my local cricket clubs and the rest of PNG in this ODI tour,” Rupa added.
Meanwhile the role of the wicketkeeper in a cricket team is to stand behind the wicket, ready to stop deliveries that pass the batsman, and take a catch, stump the batsman out, or run out a batsman when occasion arises.
The wicket-keeper is the only member of the fielding side permitted to wear gloves and external leg guard.
PNG Barramundis head coach Tim McCaskill said for Doko getting this call-up into the14-man squad shows the commitment he has made in training to get to this level.
“Doko’s return after an absence shows the commitment he has made. He’s trained really hard to get here since he missed selection for the Japan series.”
“One of the things that we've talked about the whole time is creating pressure from within and he's done everything he can to give himself that opportunity to play.”
“He's well-suited to the 50-over play and got a terrific temperament, so we're looking forward to seeing what he can do as our new wicketkeeper,” McCaskill added.
Rupa is among 19-year old Dauncey Tom who recently transitioned from the junior national Mens team also known as the PNG Garamuts set to make their debut in their two test matches in Dubai against the United Arab Emirates before their ODI tour in Kenya.