Charles Jordan Alewa Amini, commonly known as CJ Amini, is a prominent cricket player from Papua New Guinea (PNG). Born on May 5, 1990, Amini hails from a distinguished cricketing lineage that spans three generations. His grandfather, Brian, and father, Charles, were both national captains for PNG, while his mother, Kune, captained the women’s side. Additionally, his older brother Chris and aunt Cheryl represented PNG at various levels. With such a rich heritage in the sport, it was almost predetermined that CJ would follow in their footsteps.
Since making his international debut, Amini has been a crucial component in PNG’s quest to obtain ODI status, a journey that started in 2014. Over the years, he has ably steered his team through challenging times and has consistently delivered commendable performances, ensuring that PNG remains competitive on the global cricketing stage. As a testament to his contributions, Amini was chosen as the vice-captain under Assad Vala, a position from which he exhibited remarkable leadership qualities, both on and off the field.
Amini possesses a rare combination of talents that make him a formidable cricketer. Primarily recognized for his leg-spin bowling, he frequently bamboozles opposing batsmen with his skill, guile, and impeccable control over line and length. However, he is much more than just a specialist bowler. Amini has also showcased his batting prowess, producing crucial knocks when his team most needed stability and runs. This versatility and reliability have made him indispensable to the PNG national team.
Perhaps one of Amini’s most distinctive attributes is his exceptional fielding. Renowned for his agility, athleticism, and lightning-fast reflexes, he never hesitates to put his body on the line to save runs for his team. Amini is known for his acrobatic one-handed catches in the field, which have left spectators in awe of his skills. Equally impressive is his speed to the ball, allowing him to execute direct hits at the stumps with pin-point accuracy. Opposing teams have learned the hard way that taking unnecessary risks against Amini’s fielding prowess is a dangerous proposition.
At the age of 30, Amini has already etched his name among the top five wicket-takers and run-getters for PNG in ODIs and T20Is. His consistent performances have been instrumental in elevating the reputation of PNG cricket on the global stage. However, despite these achievements, Amini’s ambition remains unfulfilled. The only feather missing from his cap is the appointment as full-time captain of the PNG national team. And it appears just a matter of time before this inevitable honor is bestowed upon him.
Off the field, Amini is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He has become a role model for aspiring cricketers in PNG and continually strives to inspire the next generation of talented players. Amini’s dedication, perseverance, and love for the game have made him a legendary figure in PNG cricket, and his legacy is set to endure for years to come.
