Inaugural Pacific Island Cricket Challenge aims to strengthen community bonds

Co-organised and co-hosted by Australian Defence Force Cricket and Cricket Fiji, the inaugural Pacific Island Cricket Challenge 2023 is seen as an opportunity to build community bonds.

The event is being held in Suva, Fiji, with participation from Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Australia and New Zealand.

President of Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cricket, Air Commodore Grant Pinder, has encouraged participants to build a ‘Pacific CommUNITY through cricket’ at the inaugural event noting “the shared sporting interests of our Australian Defence Force personnel and the Pacific family helps to build enduring friendships on and off the sporting field.”

The Pacific Island Cricket Challenge 2023 includes a Skills Development Program and a T20 tournament. The skills and development program ran from 5th-9th March, while the T20 tournament commences on 11th March, with the finals on 18th March.

The inaugural Pacific Island Cricket Challenge provides an opportunity to bring people together from across the Pacific region to compete and build friendships on and off the sporting field.

Air Commodore Pinder advises “Defence continues to support Pacific sports initiatives, which strengthen bonds with our Pacific family, through collaboration and our shared commitment to a thriving region. Through PICC23, Defence is building stronger and deeper personal links with Pacific partners.

“Defence and our Pacific neighbours share a vision for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that can only be realised if we maintain constant and meaningful two-way engagement across a wide variety of activities, including sport.

“Sport is a universal language and plays a unique role in showcasing the cultural identity and values of all Pacific people.

“We wish the competitors the best of luck in what promises to be an exciting tournament for participants and spectators alike.”

Image: ICC Level 1 Coaches Course participants being led through best practice coaching techniques with Cathryn Fitzpatrick; former Australian Women's player, at the inaugural Pacific Island Cricket Challenge 2023 (PICC23) held from 5th-18th March 2023, in Suva, Fiji. Credit: MAJ T Purton