CRICKET PNG REACHES 120,135 PARTICIPANTS THROUGH CRIIIO CRICKET PROGRAM

BY RICKY ISRAEL

CRICKET Papua New Guinea has reached 120,135 participants through its grassroots Criiio programmes in the first three quarters of 2026, joining a global movement that has introduced one million people to cricket since 2021.

According to Cricket PNG’s Game Development Department, the participation figures include 94,789 people across 229 schools through the School Kriket Programme, 22,051 participants across 224 communities, and 3,295 participants in 31 Blast and Festival events.

Operating across 10 regions, Cricket PNG uses modified cricket activities to make the sport accessible to children, young people, women, girls and people with different abilities.

The 2026 Criiio Cup brought together 150 children aged eight to 15 from five National Capital District communities: Vabukori, Kirakira, Mahuru, Taurama and Hanuabada. The tournament gave young players an opportunity to progress from village cricket to Amini Park, PNG’s home of cricket.

Criiio also promotes inclusive participation through initiatives such as Table Cricket at Cheshire Home Disability Services, creating opportunities for people with different abilities to enjoy the game.

Globally, the programme has achieved equal participation between girls and boys, reached more than 2,500 schools and supported 6,696 trainers across more than 100 countries.

Meanwhile, Cricket PNG has joined in the global Criiio Day celebration yesterday by highlighting the people, schools and communities helping grow the sport across the country.