Our Journey: Building Cricket in Timor-Leste from the Ground Up
Welcome to the heart of Timor-Leste cricket. This is the story of passion, resilience, and a dream to transform an unknown sport into a national movement.
The TLCB Mission: Where Passion Meets Potential
The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) was founded on a simple, powerful vision: to make the sport of cricket accessible to every citizen in Timor-Leste.
From our unofficial beginnings in 2013, we have grown from a handful of children using homemade gear to a legally recognized national sports federation. Our mission is centered on leveraging the discipline, teamwork, and confidence that cricket instills to foster positive youth development across the nation.
Our Core Objectives
| Focus Area | Goal |
| Infrastructure | To build and establish Timor-Leste’s first international-standard cricket ground. |
| Development | To implement robust, structured youth training programs and coaching staff. |
| Representation | To consistently participate and achieve recognition in regional and international tournaments. |
A Legacy of Resilience: The Story of Our Founding
The foundation of cricket in Timor-Leste is inseparable from the dedication of our founder, Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Javed. His journey is a testament to the fact that passion can overcome the greatest resource limitations.
2013: The Spark of a Vision
The idea for cricket in Timor-Leste was ignited in April 2013. Observing local children being marginalized from sports led Dr. Tayyeb to commit to introducing cricket—a game of inclusivity—to the Timorese people. With no infrastructure or proper equipment, he began his mission with just three children, a cardboard bat, a car tire as a wicket, and a tennis ball.
Building Legitimacy: From Hobby to Federation
Recognizing the need for structure, Dr. Tayyeb launched the ‘Cricket for All’ program at EBC Escola Farol, attracting 54 enthusiastic young players. Working with local partner Jorge da Costa, they famously handcrafted equipment to keep the momentum alive.
- 2014 Milestone: Following tireless administrative work, and with essential support from his wife, Dr. Tayyeb officially registered the cricket body, securing legal recognition from the Ministry of Justice and local sports organizations.
- The same year, a personal trip to Pakistan secured the federation’s first basic equipment, giving our players their initial experience with proper cricketing gear.
The Timor-Leste Cricket Federation was now officially the governing body for the sport.
Achievements and Global Footprint
Despite immense challenges, our resilience has led to significant milestones:
| Area | Achievement |
| Youth Engagement | Hosted 7 Youth Cricket Festivals and 16 ‘Cricket for Kids’ competitions. |
| Domestic Growth | Successfully organized the annual Dili International Cricket League (2023, 2024). |
| International Debut | Achieved international recognition through participation in the Bali Blast International Cricket League (2024), putting Timor-Leste cricket on the global map. |
The Unbreakable Spirit
Even when the COVID-19 pandemic halted all activities (2020-2022), the leadership continued planning, ensuring a powerful revival in 2023. Our players have consistently shown an unbreakable spirit, performing admirably on the regional stage.
Our Critical Challenge: The Need for Infrastructure
The most significant barrier to our continued growth is the lack of a permanent, international-standard facility. While land is available, the following resources are critically needed for development:
- Dedicated Cricket Ground: Funding is required to build a proper pitch, practice nets, and a safe playing environment.
- Equipment & Maintenance: Essential gear, including rollers and maintenance machinery, is necessary to sustain a quality playing surface.
- Professionalization: We require financial support for coaches, training staff, and assistance for talented players who struggle with costs.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication of Dr. Tayyeb, who has personally funded much of the growth, and for the generous support from friends like Mark Young in New Zealand, who facilitates essential equipment donations.
The next great step for Timor-Leste cricket is the realization of our dedicated National Cricket Academy.
Join Our Mission. Be a Part of History.
Our journey is a testament to what a small, determined nation can achieve. We invite individuals, organizations, and sponsors to invest in the future of Timor-Leste through sport. Your support is critical to turning the dream of a National Cricket Ground into a reality and empowering the next generation of Timorese sporting heroes.