PNG Barramundis depart for Japan

The PNG Barramundies have departed for Japan ahead of the ICC Men's T20 EAP World Cup Qualifier, scheduled for May 9–18 2026. A 14-man squad, selected on merit, will compete against eight other nations — hosts Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, South Korea, the Cook Islands and Samoa, for a place at next year’s ICC World Cup.

The PNG Barras departed this morning full of confidence to do well at the ICC T20 qualifier. Speaking on behalf of Cricket PNG, Chairman Michael Harrison extended his best wishes to the team, encouraging them to deliver their best performance on the international stage. Earlier in the week, Head coach Tim McCuskill expressed strong confidence in his squad ahead of the tournament.

“We talked about that all the way through to give ourselves the best opportunity to progress in the tournament, and to qualify you need to be winning matches. That’s our intention going in,” McCuskill said.

PNG begin their campaign on May 9 against South Korea, followed by a match against the Cook Islands on 10 May. The tournament format has the nine teams split into three pools; the top two teams from each pool will advance to the Super Six stage.

McCuskill, recently appointed as head coach of the PNG National Men’s team, said he was excited for his first opportunity on the international stage.

“Our job is to make sure we compete hard all the time and give ourselves the best chance to win,” he added

He added, saying he is quietly confident the Barras will perform well against tough rivals describing the trip a significant milestone in their campaign. It is also McCuskill’s first international gig since his appointment as head coach for the PNG Barramundis.