Cricket PNG strengthens regional development at Goroka conference
Cricket Papua New Guinea has successfully concluded its Middle Stump Highlands and Momase 2026 Regional Cricket Managers Conference, a strategic move in sport's grassroots expansion and administrative governance.
The two-day event, held at the National Sports Institute from March 2–3, brought together regional leaders from Jiwaka, Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands, Madang, and Morobe. The summit focused on aligning development priorities and modernizing how the game is managed at the community level.
The conference served as a bridge between high-level strategy and local execution. CPNG representatives facilitated specialized sessions designed to enhance skills, modernize reporting and drive participation.
Training were conducted on cricket fun games and skill-based learning for youth, International Cricket Council [ICC] data reporting systems, and strategy sessions on increasing cricket’s footprint in schools and rural communities.
Regional Cricket Manager for Southern Highlands Lewis Kimbuna, said the conference was vital to improve his work in the province.
“I have fully enjoyed learning new cricket fun games and skills. I also learnt how to submit ICC data reporting systems, which was my focus,” Kimbuna said.
He expressed confidence that the training would lead to a surge in activity and the discovery of elite talent within the regions.
A key highlight of the Goroka gathering was the reinforcement of administrative standards. Kimbuna confirmed that all attending managers have now successfully submitted their full 2025 performance reports [quarters 1 through 4].
CPNG Operations Manager and conference lead, Rarua Dikana, commended the managers for their professionalism and timely reporting.
"Such partnerships are important in strengthening governance, improving reporting standards, and driving the sustainable growth of cricket across the Highlands and Momase regions," Dikana said, extending his thanks to the National Sports Institute for hosting the delegation.
The Goroka session concludes the second phase of CPNG’s 2026 conference series. This follow-up to the February session in Port Moresby underscores a national push towards structured planning and sustainable development pathways.
As Cricket PNG moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that regions outside the capital are equipped with the governance and coaching resources necessary to compete on a national stage.