Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) unveiled a strategic roadmap for 2026, headlined by a massive push to increase youth participation from 90,000 to over 150,000 children nationwide.
The target was established during the first phase of the 2026 Regional Cricket Managers (RCM) Conference, held at Amini Park from February 16th-17th.
The two-day summit brought together leaders from the Southern and Islands regions including NCD, Central, Milne Bay, and West New Britain to align provincial operations with national high-performance and development goals.
The conference, led by CPNG Operations Manager, Rarua Dikana, focused on shifting the organization toward a more data-driven and accountable structure. By analyzing strengths and threats across the regions, the board aims to standardize how cricket is delivered in both urban hubs and remote villages.
“The RCM’s focused on the involvement and participation planning and targets for year 2026. Last year the game development section covered up to 90, 000 children through their schools and community involvement and participation,” Dikana said.
To support this growth, the conference emphasized “engine room” logistics, the administrative, financial, and HR functions that keep regional offices running.
Office & Facility Manager, Helen Koave stressed the importance of supporting managers in areas where resources are often scarce.
One main theme of the summit was the pathway from grassroots participation to elite representation. Highlights from the sessions included:
- Talent Identification: High Performance Manager and Barramandis Head Coach, Tim McCaskill, outlined how regional managers can better identify talent for national squads.
- Specialized Programs: Plans were introduced for “Table Cricket” and indoor activities to make the sport more inclusive.
- Technical Training: New coaching and umpiring certification schedules were set to raise the standard of officiating across the provinces.
While the outlook is optimistic, regional leaders highlighted the logistical hurdles of operating in PNG. Nathan Henry, the RCM for West New Britain, noted that while the new “Criiio Cricket Program” for ages 4–13 is promising, the sheer distance between rural schools remains a significant challenge for development officers.
The Port Moresby session concluded with intensive budgeting and allocation planning to ensure each region has the tools to meet its 2026 benchmarks.
The second phase of the conference will move to Goroka, where CPNG leadership will meet with managers from the Highlands and Momase regions, including Lae, Madang and Mt. Hagen to finalize the national 2026 calendar.