Priceless silverware goes remote on its global tour
Legends, World Cup trophy hit PNG
The ICC Cricket World Cup trophy made its way to the remote cricket outpost of Papua New Guinea last week, with a clutch of World Cup winners ensuring its safe passage.
Among the entourage were Australians Carl Rackemann and 2003 Cup winner Andy Bichel, as well as Sri Lanka’s World Cup ’96 winning pair Arjuna Ranataunga and Asanka Gurusinha.
But it was the local people who lapped up the special visit the most, after PNG was recently awarded one-day international status by the International Cricket Council on the back of their global ranking of 16.
“The Cricket PNG public, Cricket PNG and even myself were overwhelmed when we saw that trophy,” said Cricket PNG CEO and former Australia Test player Greg Campbell.
“You saw the atmosphere and all the response from the kids … they loved it – it’s one of the biggest trophies in world sport.”
The trophy was on show at various locations and events throughout the country, in order to maximise opportunities for cricket fans throughout the pacific nation to get their hands of the sought-after silverware.
“It’s a great privilege for us to have this World Cup here,” said Fisherman’s Island resident Olema Kila.
“We’ve been waiting for this World Cup to arrive – we’ve been seeing it on the TV, but it’s our first time to touch the World Cup, and we’re very excited about that.”
The legends on hand were amazed by the reception they and the trophy received from the small Papua New Guinean communities.
“I first played in a World Cup back in 1987 – until then I hadn’t seen the trophy,” said Gurusinha.
“So for these PNG guys to see the World Cup trophy, that should be motivation for them to say, ‘we should be able to carry that one day’.
“So it’s a great thing the ICC is doing.”
Meanwhile, those travelling to Australia and New Zealand for the 2015 Cricket World Cup next year had a favourable outcome today, with the news that only one visa application will be required under a new Trans-Tasman visa arrangement.
With the World Cup taking place between February 14 and March 29, New Zealand will grant a visa on arrival to visitors who already hold an Australian visa between January 26 and April 5.
“Australia and New Zealand look forward to welcoming the international cricketing community next year and to showcasing both countries to the world,” said Australia’s Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator Michaelia Cash.
“This new visa arrangement will change the visa process for participants and spectators of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 by only requiring them to apply for one visa in order to follow their teams to both countries.”