PNG cricketer charged with robbery during ICC Challenge League in Jersey

Papua New Guinea (PNG) wicketkeeper-batsman Kiplin Doriga has been formally charged with robbery during the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League in Jersey. The incident took place in St. Helier in the early hours of Monday, August 25.

According to PNG news outlet EMTV, Doriga appeared before a Magistrate’s Court in Jersey on Wednesday, August 27, where he pleaded guilty to the charge. The Magistrate classified the case as serious and referred it to the Royal Court. As a result, Doriga was denied bail and has been remanded in custody until his next hearing on November 28, 2025.

Doriga, 29, is one of PNG’s senior players, having represented his country in the 2021 and 2024 T20 World Cups. He has also played 39 One-Day Internationals and 43 T20 Internationals, scoring over 1,000 runs across formats. In the ongoing Challenge League in Jersey, he managed 68 runs from 84 balls against Denmark and 12 runs from 29 balls against Kuwait, though PNG ended up losing both matches.

Cricket PNG has clarified that this remains an individual matter concerning Doriga and will not affect the team’s campaign in Jersey. The board stressed its commitment to the tournament and reiterated its focus on upholding team values despite the off-field controversy.

How did PNG perform in CWC Challenge League?

Papua New Guinea PNG endured a mixed campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League. Across their nine matches, they managed four wins, four defeats, and one no-result, finishing with nine points and a net run rate of –0.131.

PNG started brightly in the September–October 2024 leg, registering victories over Denmark, Qatar, Kuwait, and Kenya. Their batting and bowling units looked in sync, raising hopes of a strong finish. However, the 2025 phase proved more challenging.

They slipped to defeats against Denmark, Kuwait, and Jersey, with the latter inflicting a heavy 160-run loss on August 28. A washed-out game against Kenya further hampered their progress.

Despite showing glimpses of competitiveness, PNG struggled for consistency. Skipper Assad Vala emerged as their standout batter, scoring 213 runs in eight innings at an average of 35.50, highlighted by a superb unbeaten 129. With the ball, Kabua Morea led the charge impressively, claiming 23 wickets at just 16.08, underlining his value as PNG’s most reliable strike bowler.