A key figure in the history of Papua New Guinea, Assad Vala is one of the genuine local talents from the country. Skillful with the bat, Assad is a top order batsman who prefers to open the innings. Right from the U19 level, he has been a star in PNG cricket, briskly climbing up the ranks to eventually become the captain of the national side in 2018, 13 years after he made his debut for the country. Apart from his batting skills, Assad is also a more than useful off-spin bowler and can be effective in white-ball cricket. Among his several career highlights, his century on First-class debut during the Intercontinental Cup 2015-17 and his tremendous frequency during the tournament is what piloted his progress as a cricketer. PNG lost their ODI status temporarily in 2018 after a loss to Nepal but managed to regain it in 2019 during the WCL Division Two tournament under Assad’s astute leadership.