The national men’s cricket team knows the challenges that lay ahead when they compete in the East Asia Pacific World Cup qualifier in Vanuatu.
Manager Joeli Mateyawa said they needed to qualify in order to take part in the ICC World Cup competition in 2024.
The first stage of the qualification pathway in the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) region will consist of two sub-regional qualifiers: qualifier A will be played in Vanuatu this month and qualifier B will be played in Japan in October.
The winner of each of the sub-regional qualifiers will progress to the EAP Regional Final, to be played in 2023, where they will be joined by the Philippines and Papua New Guinea.
The winner of the Regional Final will qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the US.
“We have been preparing for the past month and each player knows what is expected from them,” he said.
“This tournament is very important because if we qualify our ranking is determined.”
Fiji will take on Vanuatu, Samoa and Cook Islands this weekend.
“We know each team will come prepared but I have faith in the players that they will deliver.
“We will try our best and lift Cricket Fiji into the world.
“We have a mix of players from our under-21 squad along with our senior players so it’s a mix of experience in the squad.
“There is a lot of development plan in place but it hasn’t been done in the community so we’re facing difficulty in terms of attracting young players to play cricket.”
The team departs the country today for Vanuatu.
Cricket Fiji squad:
Jone Wesele (captain), Noa Acawei (vice captain), Metuisela Beitaki, Sekove Ravoka, Tevita Vaqavakatoga, Peni Volavola, Josaia Baleicikobia, Makutu Seru Tupou, Delaimakutu Soqoiwasa, Sosiceni Delai, Sosiceni Weleilakeba, Petero Cabebula, Siteri Tabu, Samuela Draunivudi, Cama Buadromo, Kitione Tavo, Vilikesa Driu.
