CRIBAS, MANATUTO — In a landmark move for sports development in the region, Cricket Timor-Leste (TLCB) officially introduced the game of cricket to the community of Cribas, Manatuto, on May 11, 2026. The exhibition program marked the first time the sport has been formally showcased in this part of the country, drawing an enthusiastic crowd and high-level local support.
A Community-Wide Celebration
The event was a collaborative success, attended by approximately 170 people. The program saw a strong turnout from:
- Local Administrators & Government Officials: Lending their support to the diversification of Timorese youth sports.
- Educational Leaders: Multiple schools participated, recognizing the teamwork and discipline the sport promotes.
- Community Members: Families gathered to witness the demonstration of a sport rapidly gaining traction across the nation.
The Next Generation of Batters
The heart of the activity focused on 106 young Timorese students. For many of these children, the exhibition provided their very first opportunity to pick up a cricket bat and experience the thrill of the game firsthand. The TLCB coaching staff noted a “strong and immediate interest” from the students, many of whom displayed natural talent during the batting drills.
Leading the Charge
The delegation from Cricket Timor-Leste was led by the General Secretary and the Development Officer, supported by a team of six dedicated facilitators. Together, they worked to promote the fundamentals of cricket and explain the long-term vision of the TLCB to the residents of Cribas.
“Bringing cricket to Manatuto is a key part of our national expansion strategy,” said a TLCB representative. “Seeing 106 students step up to the crease for the first time today proves that the passion for this game exists everywhere in Timor-Leste—it just needs a platform.”
This exhibition in Cribas serves as a blueprint for future regional outreach as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board continues its mission to make cricket a truly national sport.
Stay updated on our journey across the districts at tlcb.net.