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Ryan Ani: From Raukele to the Barramandis

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A fresh face is joining the PNG Barramandis as they head to Japan for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier. At just 22 years old, Ryan Ani is ready to make his international debut.

Ani, who hails from Hula and Babaka in the Rigo Coastal area of Central Province, grew up with a cricket bat in his hand. His journey started at the Raukele Cricket Club (RCC) within the Port Moresby Cricket Association, a place connected to his father’s side of the family.

“Cricket ran as our family sport, it was part of our lives. Weekends were mostly about cricket, and I grew up loving the sport,” Ani said.

His rise wasn’t overnight. Ani started playing seriously in 2013 as a 10-year-old in the Under-12 division. He worked his way up through the U15 and U18 ranks, showing the kind of discipline and passion needed to reach the top level.

Beyond the pitch, Ani is proving that you can master both sports and studies. Just last month, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management from the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) University. For him, the game is about more than just runs; it’s about character.

“What I love about cricket is the discipline, commitment, and dedication. The lessons you learn in life can also apply in cricket. It shapes your morals and values both on and off the field,” he said.

Ani’s ticket to the national team came after a standout performance in the Boroko Motors Isuzu Men’s T20 Smash domestic tournament earlier this year. Now, he wants to use his platform to help the team and motivate the next generation.

“I would love to play more matches and seize every opportunity to support my teammates, while also inspiring others who may or may not know the sport,” he added.

While he is looking forward to the future, Ani often looks back at a defining moment in 2022. Playing for Raukele in the Premier Division, he smashed his first century during a tough chase against Coasters Cricket Club. His team was chasing over 300 runs, and things looked grim.

“All hope seemed to fall, but I didn’t give up. I held my end and gave my team hope. We chased down the total and won the game, that’s my favorite memory,” he recalled.

As the Barramandis begin their campaign in Japan from 8-18 May, all eyes will be on Ani. His debut isn’t just a personal win, it’s a sign of the young talent keeping the spirit of PNG cricket alive.

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Siaka’s Golden Run: From Hanuabada Roots to T20 Smash Glory

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Cricket player Lega Siaka

In the heart of Hanuabada, a village where the sound of leather hitting willow is as constant as the tide, a leader was forged. This past weekend at Amini Park, that leader, Lega Siaka, showed exactly why he remains one of Papua New Guinea’s most formidable cricketing icons.

Captain of the Boroko Motors Isuzu Men’s T20 Smash champions, the Cassowaries, Siaka didn’t just lead his team to an undefeated title run; he dominated the field, sweeping the tournament’s top individual honors with his outstanding skill and leadership.

The 33-year-old veteran, with over a decade of experience representing the Barramundis, steered the Cassowaries through a flawless campaign. The team won all four of their fixture matches, culminating in a clinical victory during the Grand Final on Sunday, March 29.

Siaka’s personal statistics were nothing short of elite. He highlighted his class at the top of the order, finishing with 161 runs at an average of 53.67. With a strike rate of 137.61, his aggressive yet calculated approach saw him clear the ropes seven times and find the boundary on seven other occasions.

PNG Cricket player, Lega Siaka receiving award.

His efforts were rewarded with both the Player of the Tournament and Best Batsman awards. Despite the individual accolades, Siaka says the victory belongs to the collective.

“I want to thank the Cassowaries team for the great team support and effort,” he shared, reflecting the humble nature often found in the “Big Village” cricketers.

For Siaka, this tournament was about more than just a domestic trophy. It was a platform to prove that his hunger for the international stage has not waned. Having been a key player of PNG cricket for years, he is now making a loud case for a recall to the national side.

“I wanted to prove myself to the coaches and selectors that I can lead a team and play my best,” Siaka admitted.

“I do hope the selectors see the effort, skill, and commitment I put into this tournament. I want them to believe in me.”

Siaka says his sights are firmly set on the next international tour, hoping his performance at the Smash serves as a reminder of his reliability under pressure.

While his focus remains on his own return to the Barramundis, the tournament also provided Siaka a chance to observe the rising tide of talent across the country. He highlighted the impressive skills shown by cricketers coming out of Milne Bay and Lae-Morobe, stating that even a seasoned campaigner like himself can still learn from the energy of the youth.

“It is interesting, as watching helped me develop some new techniques too,” he added.

As the celebrations settle in the Cassowaries camp, the message from Amini Park is that Lega Siaka isn’t finished yet. He is a man in form, a leader in demand, and he is ready to wear the national colors once again.

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Cricket PNG Sets Ambitious Goal to Reach 150,000 Youth in 2026

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Cricket PNG team group photo

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.

Cricket PNG Training
Cricket PNG Training

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.

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