PNG to host ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in April

Cricket PNG is currently doing preparatios to get the venue ready for the April tournament at Amini Park, Port Moresby (Image: Supplied)

The International Cricket Council [ICC] has officially confirmed that Papua New Guinea will play host to the Under 19 Women's T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific [EAP] Qualifier this April.

The tournament, scheduled to run from April 8 through April 13, 2026, will be held at Amini Park in Port Moresby. The winner of this regional qualifier will secure a coveted spot in the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, set to take place in Nepal and Bangladesh in January 2027.

Five nations will compete for the single qualification spot including hosts PNG, Fiji Samoa, Vanuatu and Indonesia.

The competition will follow a round-robin format, where teams play each other ones. The side with the highest points at the end of the six-day event will be declared the winner and advance to the global stage.

Cricket PNG Chairman Michael Harrison confirmed that hosting rights have been finalized and logistical preparations are currently in motion to ensure the grounds and facilities meet international standards.

"This is an exciting tournament for Cricket PNG as we show once again that PNG can host international events to the exacting requirements of the ICC," Harrison said.

He said CPNG is collaborating with the PNG Sports Foundation and the National Capital District Commission [NCDC] to prepare the event precinct for visiting teams and officials.

The Papua New Guinea national Under 19 team, known as the Siales, is already deep into a rigorous training program. The squad is being guided by Cricket PNG Head Coach and High Performance Manager Tim McCaskill, alongside the recently appointed Siales Coach Jason Kila.

Teams and match officials are expected to arrive in Port Moresby on Monday, April 6, with official matches commencing Wednesday morning.