Charles Amini
Charles Amini – an all-rounder from Papua New Guinea
Charles “CJ” Amini isn’t just another athlete from Papua New Guinea. He comes from the cricket family, the dynasty that practically owns the sport’s history in the country. Their legacy is so deep that one of Port Moresby’s major sporting venues carries their name: Amini Park. International matches are played there, and it’s the command center of PNG cricket. Not bad for a family name, right?
Charles Amini: Sporting Career and Achievements
CJ was born on April 14, 1992, in Port Moresby, and from day one, it was clear he wasn’t going to escape the family business. His grandfather and father both captained the men’s national team. His mother, Kune, led the women’s national squad. Add an internationally capped aunt, Cheryl, plus two cricket-playing brothers, Chris and Colin – and you get a kid who basically had a bat in his hand before he could walk. With that kind of bloodline, choosing any path other than cricket would’ve looked almost rebellious.
He entered the competitive arena early, of course he did. Charles Amini made his first international appearance in the 2006-2007 ICC East Asia Pacific Cricket 8 tournament for the U-15s, getting a taste of real cricket long before most players even dream about it.
A couple of years later, stronger and far more seasoned, he was already representing PNG at the U-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia, and then again at the next edition in New Zealand. By then, his talent wasn’t just promising – it was undeniable.
His breakthrough came when he snatched eight wickets during the qualification rounds, earning himself a spot in T20 competitions. In November 2013, he delivered a performance bold enough to make Australian scouts sit up and take notice. The Sydney Sixers, one of the top clubs in the league, didn’t waste time and offered him a one-season contract. Later, CJ admitted:
“Playing for the Sixers really helped me get a better grip on my own game. I had to learn a lot on the fly because sometimes I honestly didn’t know what I was supposed to do out there. Luckily, I’m an open person and never shy about asking questions.”
After joining the senior national team in 2014, CJ made a decisive contribution right from the start: in a List A match against Uganda in January, he delivered a remarkable spell – 6/19 in ten overs. In the fall of that same year, Charles Amini made his ODI debut in a match between PNG and Hong Kong. However, a regular spot in the national T20 side came only six months later, when the coaching staff called him up for the ICC World Twenty20 2015 qualifiers.
In 2016, the young cricketer faced serious trials: a major injury cost him the chance to secure a full-time contract, and he began thinking about switching careers. Charles returned to the studies he had once set aside for sport and began learning IT. Soon, IBS University noticed his progress and offered him a scholarship, but CJ had already decided he wasn’t done with cricket. He received a call-up to the national team, turned down the scholarship, and, as time would prove, made the right choice. Here are just a few of his notable achievements in chronological order:
- March 2018: During the World Cup Qualifier playoff, CJ delivered a stunning 4/27 against Hong Kong and was named Player of the Match, one of the standout moments of his ODI career.
- August 2018: He was appointed vice-captain of the PNG squad for the ICC World Twenty20 East Asia Pacific Qualifier.
- That same year: He again took up the role of vice-captain, this time for PNG’s campaign in Division 2 of the ICC World Cricket League 2019 in Namibia.
- 2021: Charles Amini was once again included in PNG’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
- May 2024: He received yet another call-up to represent the country at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Amini is a true all-rounder. He contributes both as a batter and a bowler, and is known for his high-energy fielding. Thanks to his consistency and leadership qualities, the coaching staff continues to trust him with the role of vice-captain and regularly relies on him during major tournaments.
Charles Amini: Personal Life and Fun Facts
By the time Charles Amini turned 30, he had firmly secured a spot among the top five PNG players in both ODI and T20I formats. The only thing still missing is a permanent appointment as captain of Papua New Guinea’s national team – and it feels like only a matter of time.
As for his personal life, little is publicly known: he is married and has a daughter, Liru, who loves dancing. To make up for the lack of details, here are a few fun facts about CJ:
- Charles “CJ” Amini represents the third generation of the Amini cricket dynasty.
- Playing style: left-handed batter, right-arm bowler, a classic all-rounder.
- He is actively involved in promoting and developing cricket in his home country.
Below is a summary table of his statistics across all cricket formats.
Charles Amini: Game statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Top Score | Balls | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best Bowl | Catches |
| ODI | 49 | 1,128 | 23.50 | 109 | 1,706 | 32 | 43.06 | 4/27 | 21 |
| T20I | 59 | 1,028 | 24.47 | 91 | 870 | 47 | 19.27 | 4/18 | 18 |
| FC | 2 | 39 | 9.75 | 19 | 42 | 0 | — | — | 3 |
| List A | 73 | 1,427 | 21.62 | 109 | 2,408 | 53 | 35.09 | 6/19 | 25 |
