 "A general view of the 2024 T20 World Cup trophy. AFP")
Assad Vala will captain Papua New Guinea in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA as the island country announced their 15-member squad. The 36-year-old veteran Vala was also the captain in the 2021 edition. Vala, along with nine other players and Jack Gardner, were also part of their 2021 outing in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
All-rounder CJ Amini was named vice-captain of the Tatenda Taibu-coached side.
Pacer Chad Soper returns to the team after an effective tour of Malaysia and Oman, while 20-year-old spinner John Kariko is the youngest member.
PNG qualified for their second-ever T20 World Cup by prevailing in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers.
They begin their campaign against hosts West Indies in a Group C fixture in Guyana on June 2.
New Zealand, Afghanistan and Uganda are the other teams of the group.
PNG squad: Assadollah Vala (c), CJ Amini (vc), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare (wk), Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga (wk), Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau and Tony Ura.
With agency inputs