Papua New Guinea is the latest addition to the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC), in a bid to unite and celebrate First Nations cricketers from around the world.
The nation been welcomed into the competition, after an application from the PNG Cricket Chairman, Michael Harrison.
"There was a spare spot," Mr Harrison said.
He said the team reached out to PacificAus Sports who floated the idea with the Indigenous Cricket Council.
"They've agreed to let Papua New Guinea be in the Men's comp."
The NICC will take place in Mackay, Queensland, on Yuwibara Country from April 14 to 19.
The competition will host eight men's and five women's teams, including the newly recruited PNG men's squad, the Barramundis.
The Barramundis are the nation's senior men's cricket team. They've had over 100 men wear the uniform since their establishment and first match over 50 years ago.
Captained by Asadollah Vala, the team, affectionately nicknamed the Barras, have had a string of success - recently qualifying for the World Cup.
"We qualified for the World Cup in the West Indies last year, " said Mr Harrison
"So in the T-20 World Cup, we are currently ranked 21 in the world."
The Barramundi's won't be playing for the championship, only participating as an invitational side - playing in round matches and not competing for points or a spot in the final.
Despite this, the opportunity is special for the Barras, who see it as a chance to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers and improve their skills for the 2026 season.
"We just need good practice," Mr Harrison said.
"This opportunity has come up so we're going to take it!"
Cricket Australia's chief of cricket, James Allsopp, said the inclusion of the Barramundis cemented the importance of Indigenous cricket pathways and the PacificAus Sports initiative.
The 2025 men's champion side, Queensland, will defend it's title against New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
While the Western Australian women's side will try for back to back victory against squads from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and SA.
Played in a round-robin format, players will compete from April 14 to 18, with the 17th scheduled as a cultural activities day.
The top two teams of each division will progress to the finals at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on April 19, with additional matches played at Harrup Park.
The 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships will be broadcast live on NITV and SBS On Demand on April 18 and 19.
