Cricket Papua New Guinea Development Officer Quanaki Gaudi celebrated a special milestone on March 8, turning 29 on International Women’s Day while reflecting on her recent representation of Papua New Guinea at the ICC East Asia Pacific Conference in Japan.
The conference, held from February 20 to 22, brought together cricket development leaders from across the East Asia Pacific region to share ideas, discuss strategies and strengthen collaboration in growing the game within their respective countries.
For Gaudi, the opportunity to represent Cricket Papua New Guinea was both an honor and a learning experience. As a Development Officer, her work focuses on grassroots development and community engagement, helping introduce cricket to young players in schools and village communities across the country.
During the conference, Gaudi presented Papua New Guinea’s cricket development work through a video presentation. The presentation highlighted several grassroots initiatives including the School Cricket Program, village-based junior competitions, the Numeracy Cricket Program and Table Cricket activities.
She said the response from regional leaders was encouraging, with many impressed by how PNG delivers cricket programs in remote and resource-limited areas while still achieving strong participation.
Gaudi explained that cricket development in PNG operates across 11 centres nationwide, often facing challenges such as geography, limited infrastructure and diverse cultures. However, strong community ownership and support from the International Cricket Council continue to help drive programs forward.
She also stressed the importance of smaller cricket nations participating in regional discussions, saying it allows countries like PNG to share experiences and learn from others while ensuring inclusive growth of the sport.
Among the key lessons she took from the conference were approaches by other nations in aligning cricket development with sustainability, youth engagement and digital initiatives.
Gaudi said the experience strengthened her confidence as a development officer and reinforced the importance of partnerships, monitoring program impact and creating clearer pathways from grassroots cricket to higher levels.
She also encouraged young women in PNG to consider careers in sport beyond playing.
“There is space for you in sport beyond playing. Sports administration needs passionate and committed people who care about communities,” she said.
Gaudi also thanked colleagues and leaders who continue to support women in sport across Papua New Guinea.
As she celebrated both her birthday and International Women’s Day, Gaudi acknowledged women across the country who continue to inspire and lead in their communities.
Cricket Papua New Guinea says young professionals like Gaudi are helping pave the way for more women to step forward and play important roles in sport development across the nation.
