Full Name: Assadollah Vala Date of Birth: August 5, 1987 Place of Birth: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Role: Batting All-rounder | Left-handed batsman | Right-arm offbreak Assad Vala is undoubtedly the most iconic name in Papua New Guinea cricket, a true pioneer who has led his nation from the grassroots of Associate cricket to the international spotlight. Known for his elegance with the bat and his tactical astuteness as a captain, Vala has been the spine of the PNG national team for nearly two decades. Vala began his cricketing journey in Port Moresby, where he quickly rose through the junior ranks. He made his debut for PNG in 2005 and has since become their most capped player across formats. His most significant achievement came in 2019, when he captained Papua New Guinea to qualify for their first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (2021)—a historic breakthrough for the nation. This achievement earned Vala global recognition and praise from the ICC for elevating cricket in the Pacific region. As of 2025, Vala is PNG’s leading run-scorer in both ODIs and T20Is, having scored multiple half-centuries and centuries. He scored a memorable 104 against Namibia* in an ICC World Cricket League match and followed it up with key knocks in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, often finishing among the top run-getters in the tournament. In addition to his batting feats, Vala has taken over 50 wickets in international cricket, proving his value as a versatile all-rounder. His bowling has often broken partnerships and changed the course of games—especially during the 2015 Pacific Games, where PNG clinched gold under his influential all-round performances. He was named ICC Associate Cricketer of the Year (2021 nominee) and has regularly featured in the ICC’s Global Development XI—a testament to his skill and impact on Associate cricket. As captain, Vala is admired for his quiet resolve, game sense, and ability to mentor young players like Sese Bau and Norman Vanua. Off the field, he is an ambassador for Cricket PNG’s development initiatives and is actively involved in community outreach programs, promoting cricket in schools and villages across the nation. A stalwart of Associate cricket, Assad Vala is not just a cricketer—he is the heartbeat of Papua New Guinea cricket and a symbol of what belief, grit, and leadership can achieve on the world stage.