Cricket PNG has successfully delivered a two-day Umpiring and Scoring Workshop in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, from 27–28 June 2026, equipping local cricket volunteers and enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills required to officiate matches ahead of the province’s upcoming Liklik Cricket Smash Competition.
The workshop was facilitated by Cricket PNG Consultant, Lakani Oala and Cricket Data Systems and Development Coordinator Helai Willie as part of Cricket PNG’s ongoing commitment to strengthening grassroots cricket and building the capacity of match officials across PNG.
The Liklik Cricket Smash tournament will begin on Saturday 4, July. This tournament will be hosted in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province and is a significant milestone for cricket development in PNG, as it marks the first organised cricket tournament of its kind to be hosted in the Highlands region. The initiative represents an important step in expanding the game’s reach into new communities, creating opportunities for participation, and laying the foundation for the continued growth of cricket across the Highlands region.
A highlight of the program was the Basic Umpiring Training conducted on 27 June, led by Mr. Lakani Oala.
The training attracted 47 participants, demonstrating the growing interest in cricket officiating within the province.
Participants included 15 female participants and 32 male participants.
Throughout the training, participants were introduced to the fundamental Laws of Cricket, the roles and responsibilities of an umpire, match management, umpiring signals, and decision-making skills necessary to confidently officiate matches at community level.
Cricket PNG Willie thanked the people of Mendi and the wider Highlands Region for embracing the workshop and their commitment to learning.
“We are grateful to everyone who participated in the umpiring and scoring workshop. It was exciting to see the level of concentration, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn shown by all participants throughout the training,” Willie said.
“The response from the Highlands has been outstanding, and we sincerely thank the people of Mendi for their support and participation. We at Cricket PNG are looking forward to seeing these newly trained officials put their knowledge into practice during the upcoming Liklik Cricket Smash, which will be a historic first for the Highlands Region and an important step in growing cricket in this part of PNG.”
The workshop forms an important part of Cricket PNG’s grassroots development strategy, ensuring local competitions are supported by trained officials while creating pathways for aspiring umpires and scorers to progress within the game.
Cricket PNG remains committed to developing cricket in every region of PNG through education, training, and community engagement, empowering local communities to grow and sustain the sport.
