When the final names were called at Amini Park, Abigail Leka’s journey quietly reached a turning point, not loud, not sudden, but earned.
From 44 hopefuls across the country to 22 shortlisted, and now among the final 14, Abigail has secured her place in Papua New Guinea’s U19 Siales squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier set for April 24th to 29th in Port Moresby city.
Her path back into cricket was not immediate. She first entered the game at 11, playing alongside older women at Kempa Cricket Club, before stepping away for a period. It was only last year that she returned, and from that moment, her progression was steady and deliberate.
She had believed early that she could make the cut, saying simply, “I’m really confident that I’ll make the team… just to perform and do my best.”
That belief translated into performance, and performance into selection.
Her rise also reflects the quiet reality of cricket in Papua New Guinea, a sport still growing and still searching for its spotlight. Abigail understands that space, seeing both its limitations and its opportunities, as she once noted that the game is “not really that popular here in Papua New Guinea.”
Now balancing school as a Grade 11 student with national duties, she is already navigating the demands that come with wearing the country’s colours, working closely with coaches and school to manage both.
Behind her selection stands a unique dynamic. Her father, Hudson Leka, serves as Chairman of the Cricket PNG Selectors Panel, a position that placed her journey under even closer scrutiny.
As a father, his pride was unmistakable, describing the moment as “a moment of pure joy” seeing his daughter named in the final squad.
Yet professionally, the standard was higher. He viewed her like any other player, guided strictly by performance, consistency, and commitment. In fact, the expectation was heavier, ensuring no perception of bias.
In the end, her numbers, work ethic and awareness on the field spoke louder than any connection. She earned her place, not through name, but through output.
Now, the focus shifts forward.
In April, against Indonesia, Japan and Vanuatu, Abigail Leka will step onto the field as part of a team chasing World Cup qualification on home soil.
For her, this is more than selection. It is proof that stepping away does not mean the story ends, sometimes it simply means the real chapter is waiting to begin.
