Carl Sandri appointed new PNG cricket coach

Carl Sandri has been appointed as the new national coach and high performance manager for Cricket PNG, following the departure of Joe Dawes.

The Australian-born Sandri, 37, is currently in Melbourne and is awaiting clearance to fly to Port Moresby, where he will work with Papua New Guinea’s three national squads and run the high performance unit and talent ID programmes.

The former Italy and Sydney Thunder all-rounder was set to lead the PNG Barramundis in their T20 World Cup debut in India later this year.

Cricket PNG Chief Executive, Greg Campbell, said they were delighted to welcome Sandri as their new national coach and high performance manager.

“We have been through an extensive search and we must thank Joe (Dawes) for his help in this process to find a suitable replacement.”

Campbell said Sandri had an extensive professional coaching resume, including roles within Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria, the Big Bash League and the Italian national team.

“He has coached and played all over the world, providing him with an in-depth knowledge of what is required to be successful as an International Cricket Council associate member.”

Campbell also paid tribute to the work of outgoing coach Joe Dawes, who was returning to Australia to spend more time with his family.

“Joe has done an outstanding job over the last three years and I’m sure Carl is the coach to progress this work in what is a very big year for CPNG, in particular the Barramundis’ T20 World Cup debut.

“There will be a handover period where Joe and Carl will work closely with the coaching staff and players to manage a smooth transition.”

Dawes praised his successor as “a ripper” with “tremendous experience”.

“We have discussed the transition and will work closely with each other over the coming months, but I have no doubt he is going to do a great job,” he said.

“The past year has thrown many challenges at the group, they continue to work hard and have stayed focused.”