New Delhi, May 8 (Agency) Assad Vala has been picked to lead Papua New Guinea’s 15-member squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. It will be Vala’s second time at the helm of a World Cup-bound squad, having also served as captain during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman.Charles Amini has been named Vala’s deputy in a squad that sees 10 of the 15 players that featured three years ago. Jack Gardener, a reserve in 2021, makes the squad this time around, along with Hila Vare, Alei Nao, John Kariko and Sema Kamea.
Squad: Assad Vala (c), Charles Amini (vc), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura“The energy has been great within the team,” Vala said. “For some of the boys who went to the last T20 World Cup, it’s a different feeling now with a lot of the training, because the last time was during Covid and the preparation wasn’t as good as what we’re going through now. I am looking forward to this event because I know we are going to do well.”PNG qualified to the World Cup by topping the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier last year. They are placed in Group C alongside co-hosts West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Uganda.