A New Dawn for Cricket in Port Vila: 2025 T20 Club Championships Set to Ignite Community Spirit

Cricket returns to the heart of Vanuatu this weekend as the 2025 Port Vila Men’s and Women’s T20 Club Championships officially bowl into action. After months of off-season development, club evaluations, and a strategic overhaul of the domestic framework, the Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA) is ushering in a season expected to be the most competitive in over half a decade.

This year’s campaign begins in earnest with Round 2 on Saturday, May 3, featuring a full slate of men’s and women’s matches across all three major venues: Independence Park, VCG 1, and VCG 2.

Opening Fixtures:

• Women’s 9 a.m. Matches

  • Tafea CC vs. Ifira Blackbird – VCG 1

  • Splashe Mele Bulls vs. North Efate Bushpigs – VCG 2

• Men’s 1 p.m. Matches

  • Indy Chiefs vs. Mighty Saints – Independence Park

  • Splashe Mele Bulls vs. North Efate Bushpigs – VCG 2

  • Tafea CC vs. Tusker Panthers – VCG 1

The season arrives with fresh momentum. The introduction of a club coach system, aligned with high-performance oversight and ongoing player development, marks a significant shift in VCA’s approach. Returning athletes from the RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) scheme are expected to bolster line-ups, setting the stage for one of the most talent-rich club seasons in recent memory.

“Clubs are looking forward to getting started this year,” said one coach, adding that “the new structure is exciting. With a full schedule and minimal game breaks, plus former players back from overseas, we’re in for high-quality ket. The communities will feel this season—it’s going to be special.”

Adding further incentive, a Provincial North vs. South series is now embedded within the season structure, providing recognition and selection pathways for standout club performers.

Club Training Schedules:

• Tusker Panthers: Wednesdays, 4–6 p.m., VCG Nets

• Mighty Saints: TBA

• Indy Chiefs: Mondays, 5–7 p.m., Indy Park Nets

• North Efate Bushpigs: Tuesdays, 4–6 p.m., VCG Nets

• Splashe Mele Bulls: Mele Field (Contact Andrew Mansale)

• Ifira Blackbird (Women): Thursdays, 4–6 p.m., VCG Nets

• Tafea CC: Thursdays, 5–7 p.m., Indy Park Nets

Want to Play? Reach Out to Your Club Coach

Whether you’re returning from time away, newly interested, or eager to take your game to the next level, this season is open to all players ready to be part of something bigger. For players wishing to participate in 2025, connect with your club’s designated coach:

• Tafea CC – Williamsing Nalisa

• Tusker Panthers – Nalin Nipiko

• Indy Chiefs – Wamejo Wotu

• North Efate Bushpigs – Clement Tommy

• Mighty Saints CC – Simpson Obed

• Splashe Mele Bulls – Andrew Mansale

• Ifira Blackbird (Women) – Reach out via VCA or your local contact

Club coaches are not only facilitating weekly trainings and match preparation—they’re also mentoring the next generation of players. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to make contact, attend a training session, and see where they can fit into this vibrant cricket community.

With full commitment from clubs and the oversight of High-Performance Manager Chris Laffan, the VCA has positioned this season not only as a revival of grassroots cricket but as a celebration of sporting excellence and community resilience.

Participating Clubs: Tafea Cricket Club, Mighty Saints Cricket Club, Splashe Mele Bulls, Tusker Panthers, Ifira Blackbird Cricket Club, Indy Chiefs, North Efate Bushpigs.

Men’s Schedule: Port Vila Men’s T20 Championship – available via the Vanuatu Cricket Association. Women’s Schedule: Port Vila Women’s T20 Club Championship – also online via VCA channels.