PNG cricket team accepted into South Australia league

PNG Cricket Team: Image credit: ABC

The general manager of Cricket PNG says the acceptance of the country's national cricket team into the South Australian Premier League will open up new opportunities for his players.

The Papua New Guinea cricket team has become the first national sporting team from PNG to be accepted to compete in an Australian domestic competition.

The Barramundis will feature in the inaugural season of the South Australian Premier League later this year, alongside four teams from South Australia and one from the Northern Territory.

In season one matches will be played in Darwin and Adelaide, but PNG plans to host matches in season two, after a ground upgrade funded by a government grant of two million kina ($AUD925,000).Cricket PNG General Manager, Greg Campbell, told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program the new competition will be a platform for the country's players to perform at a high level.

"It's one step down from Shield cricket but it offers a pathway for our boys to form a relationship with the South Australian Cricket Association," Mr Campbell said.

"Also, they might be able to pick up one or two of our players to train with the Redbacks and the Strikers and the Big Bash League, so it's a great opportunity for us." ABC