A total of 15 teams are participating in the 2025 National Easter Cricket Tournament, which is being hosted at Albert Park in Suva for a week.
The tournament is divided into two tiers, with Tier one comprising eight teams and Tier two consisting of seven teams.
The defending champions, Kabara, are focused on defending their title in this highly anticipated competition.
Cricket Fiji development officer Joeli Matayawa the tournament was originally scheduled during the Easter break, the tournament had to be postponed due to the closure of the ground, it was rescheduled to June to allow the teams more time to prepare and compete.
He adds the inclusion of new teams like Vulaga from Lau and the return of Rotuma after four years, the tournament promises to be a competitive and exciting event for all the participating teams.
“The competition serves two main purposes. Firstly, it aims to select and prepare a Senior Women’s team for the upcoming ICC qualifier tournament in September, which will feature teams from eight other countries,” said Matayawa.
“Secondly, we are looking to build a strong Senior Men’s cricket team for the following year. Through a series of three tournaments, including the Super Eight competition in August, the best players will be chosen to represent Fiji in future competitions.”
Matayawa, is dedicated to promoting the sport among youth athletes. Efforts are being made to foster cricket development in primary and secondary schools in various regions across Fiji.
“I like to encourage the youth athletes, Cricket is trying to grow slowly in the country, we are doing our development in Primary and Secondary Schools in Suva, Nasinu, Tailevu North, Naitasiri, Galoa, Nadi, Lautoka.
“So, most of the young players we have seen, we have introduced them to the sport, so we are grateful to see the interest these kids have and the passion to play.”
As the tournament progresses, Kabara’s formidable presence as the defending champions has set a high standard for the competing teams.
The competition will conclude on Saturday.
