The Cook Islands Cricket Association men’s squad departs Rarotonga today to compete in a tri-series against Thailand and hosts Sano, Japan. The team will be traveling with their new head coach, Ian West.

Association President Grant Walker stated that Ian West's promotion to head coach follows the retirement of Craig Murray. Additionally, Tomakanute Ritawa has been promoted to assistant coach.

He said the team leaves today for Auckland, then on Sunday morning for the games that start on May 7 (May6- Raro) and through May 14 (13 -Raro).

He said they will play in four games with potential of a 5th if they make the final and two bilateral games against Japan.

There are 5 players from Rarotonga; Ben Vakatini, Tiaki Wuatai, Cam Thorp, Paani Vailoa, and Pita Ravarua.

He said, “Benny was on 2022 squad. Tiaki and Pita on 2024 team. Cam and Paani first tour.”

Walker says James Pickering is the new addition from New Zealand and all the other players were on the 2022 and/or 2024 squads.

This is CICA’s first tour that is not an ICC (International Cricket Council) pathway for Men’s team.

Walker says CICA with Japan and major support from 21South and Maritime Cook Islands arranged this.

He further added that this series marks a significant milestone for the program, as these will be their first matches against Japan and against a non-East Asia Pacific region team, Thailand (who are part of the Asia Region).

“Shows the growth of our program and complements that we just achieved with the women’s Bali tour.”

Games will be on live stream on Japan Cricket YouTube channel.

Team: Tiaki Wuatai, Aue Parima, Cory Dickson, Liam Denny, Thomas Parima, Cam Thorp, Pita Ravarua, Ben Vakatini, Jared Tutty, Ma’ara Ave (C), Oscar Taylor, Paani Vailoa, James Pickering (WK), Harden Dickson, Milton Kavana.

Head coach: Ian West, Assistant Coach: Tomakanute Ritawa, Physio: Blake Taylor. Manager: Rahul Patil.