CORE of the squad that travelled to the ICC East Asia Pacific T20 Cricket Senior men's tournament in Auckland, New Zealand earlier this month has been retained for the ICC World Cricket League Division 7 tournament.
National coach Joeli Mateyawa named the 18-member preliminary squad yesterday to prepare for the all-important tournament in Botswana from April 4 to 14.
The tournament which will be the last of its kind will see the top two teams advancing to the next stage of qualifiers.
"The core of the squad from the Auckland tournament have been retained and with the return of the four military players who weren't able to make the trip to Auckland, the side will be well prepared to represent the country", Cricket Fiji High Performance manager, Joe Rika said in a statement.
The final 14 will be selected later this week before the side leaves for Botswana on the March 27 for a week of preparation.
The 18 players selected to prepare for WCL 7: Colin Rika, Greg Browne, Iniasi Cakacaka, Sekove Ravoka, Viliame Yabaki, Joji Bulabalavu, Jone Seuvou, Eric Browne, Joe Rika, Samuela Draunivudi, Vuiyasawa Mateiwaqa, Tukana Tavo, Kitione Tavo, Jikoi Kida, Sevunivola Baba, Tomasi Nawaciono, Noa Acawei, Seci Tuiwai.