DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – In a major strategic announcement that signals a significant step forward for the sport in the country, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) has officially confirmed the launch of its premier domestic tournament, now slated as a Twenty20 (T20) competition to be held in January 2026.
The competition, which is expected to galvanize local talent and capture the nation’s sporting imagination, will replace the previously proposed T10 format that was provisionally scheduled for December 2025. This decisive move to the globally-recognized T20 format reflects the TLCB’s ambition to align the league with international best practices and maximize player development following the national team’s recent T20 International debut.
📅 A Strategic Shift to T20
The TLCB confirmed the format and date change in a press conference held earlier today. The new tournament, whose official title is yet to be revealed, is set to be the pinnacle of Timor-Leste’s cricketing calendar.
“Our decision to transition from T10 to T20 for our inaugural major league is a strategic one,” stated a TLCB representative. “With the growing international emphasis on the T20 game, providing our players with experience in this format is vital for the long-term competitiveness of our national squad, especially as an Associate Member of the ICC. January 2026 provides the perfect window to kick off this exciting new chapter.”
The previous plan for a short-format T10 league in December 2025 has been officially shelved, with all resources now being focused on ensuring the successful execution of the T20 tournament.
🚀 Impact on Domestic Cricket
The January 2026 T20 League is projected to feature local teams representing different regions or franchises, fostering intense domestic rivalries and providing a much-needed platform for homegrown cricketers.
- Player Pathways: The league will act as the primary scouting ground for the Timor-Leste national team, providing regular, high-intensity competition.
- Infrastructure Focus: The TLCB is expected to accelerate development efforts for local cricketing facilities to host the T20 matches.
- Fan Engagement: The faster, more dynamic T20 format is anticipated to be a huge draw for the Timorese public, bolstering the sport’s popularity.
Further details regarding the teams, player drafts, and exact match schedule for the January 2026 T20 League are expected to be unveiled by the TLCB in the coming weeks.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of the national team’s first outings on the international stage, confirming that cricket development in Timor-Leste is on a steep and exciting upward trajectory.