We are very happy to be able to welcome the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis home this Sunday, 31 October 2021. It has been an interesting journey home, as we’ve had to navigate the difficulties of international travel in a Covid world, however, finally our history making team will be able to come home and be with their families, friends and the people of PNG who have supported them so passionately on this journey.
The journey began in August, endured cyclones, personal tragedies, and other obstacles along the way, however,
most importantly, the historic achievement of playing in PNG’s first ever senior ICC World Cup. From the opening anthem, where the world saw the passion and pride the team has for Papua New Guinea personified in the tears of John Ovia, assistant coach and former Barra.
We had many highlights through the tournament, with Assad Vala showing he is a towering force with his quietly
assured leadership style. No one will forget CJ Amini’s superman catch against Bangladesh. Kabua Morea and Chad
Soper coming in and taking wicket after wicket. Norman Vanua nearly snatching victory for us against the brave Scotland. The fearless batting of Kipling Doriga, so close to a half century against the might of Bangladesh. We showed the world we have the talent. We will be back next time, stronger for this experience.
Now we welcome our team back as heroes. Unfortunately, we can’t have all the fans they deserve at the airport to
great them due to covid restrictions, however, we will have a small gathering of family at Amini Park on Sunday afternoon. When the restrictions are lifted and it is safe for larger gatherings, we will find a way for our fans to celebrate our history making team.
In a revolving door of national teams, the Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas start their quarantine this Saturday, as they
prepare to depart for Zimbabwe on November 6. The team are excited to be able to play cricket again after two long
years of Covid enforced isolation. If they win through this tournament, they too will be able to have the opportunity
to play in a senior World Cup in New Zealand in 2022.
