In this Aug 15, 2019 photo, Australia's Cameron Bancroft (second right) is mobbed by teammates including Australia's Pat Cummins (left) and Australia's captain Tim Paine (right) after taking the wicket of England's Rory Burns (unseen) for 53 runs on the second day of the second Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. (Glyn KIRK / AFP)

SYDNEY - Australia's national body of cricket, Cricket Australia, announced on Friday a new governmental partnership to help grow the sport in neighboring Pacific island countries.

ALSO READ: Kenya, HKSAR pick wins in ICC Cricket Challenge League B tournament

The Australia-Pacific Cricket Linkages program would create channels for exchange with Cricket Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Vanuatu Cricket Association, including invitations to Australian competitions.

The partnership would invite national men's and women's squads from the two Pacific islands to the Top End T20 and the Australian Country Cricket Championships.

READ MORE: Australia board apologizes after India players complain of racist abuse

Similarly, it would mean Australia's national and indigenous teams would tour in Vanuatu and participate in community engagement activities.