PNG Barramundis to feature at National Indigenous Cricket Championships

Port Moresby — Cricket history will be made this summer when Papua New Guinea’s national side, the PNG Barramundis, accept an invitation to compete in the National Indigenous Cricket Championships on Australian soil. The invitation marks the first time a visiting international team has been woven into the tournament fabric, underlining the event’s rapid growth since its inception.

Tournament organisers confirmed the Barramundis’ inclusion this week, praising the squad’s reputation for fearless cricket and vibrant fan engagement. Officials believe the move will deepen cultural exchange between First Nations communities in Australia and the Pacific, while raising the on-field standard of a competition already renowned for its fierce rivalries and carnival atmosphere.

The Barramundis, who have steadily climbed the ranks of associate cricket, view the invitation as both an honour and a strategic step in their preparations for future international fixtures. Players and coaching staff are expected to arrive in Darwin next month for a brief acclimatisation camp before the opening round.

Match schedules and broadcast details are due to be released in the coming days, with organisers promising a festival atmosphere that celebrates cricket, culture and community.