Author: Timor Leste Cricket Board

  • Historic First Cricket Training Camp Ignites Sporting Passion in Viqueque

    Historic First Cricket Training Camp Ignites Sporting Passion in Viqueque

    Historic First Cricket Training Camp Ignites Sporting Passion in Viqueque

    Viqueque, Timor-Leste | November 28, 2025

    The district of Viqueque achieved a significant milestone in its sporting history this week, successfully hosting its first-ever comprehensive cricket training camp. A total of 76 enthusiastic young participants, including both girls and boys, joined forces with local senior players and administrative officials for a productive and inclusive session, signaling a powerful new beginning for the sport in the region.

    The multi-day camp, which concluded on Wednesday, was hailed as a resounding success by organizers. The initiative was strongly supported by the District Administrative Office, whose staff were present throughout the training to underscore the government’s commitment to grassroots sports development and providing positive engagement opportunities for youth.

    “This is more than just learning to bat or bowl; it’s about building discipline, teamwork, and confidence in our young people,” stated Mr. Tomas Faria, a representative from the Administrative Office. “To see 76 young faces, a large percentage of whom are young women, participating with such dedication is proof that Viqueque is ready to embrace cricket. The infrastructure development will follow the passion, not the other way around.”

    The training sessions were carefully structured, covering fundamental skills like grip, stance, throwing mechanics, and basic field placements. Experienced senior players from the district took on mentorship roles, guiding the novices through drills and simulated match situations. This transfer of knowledge between generations is critical for establishing a sustainable cricket culture in Viqueque.

    Participants praised the camp for its welcoming and encouraging atmosphere. Maria Guterres, 14, one of the young participants, shared her excitement, “I had never held a cricket bat before this week, but now I know the rules, and I love fielding. It’s a sport where everyone can contribute. I hope this camp is just the start of regular training here.”

    With the success of this inaugural event, officials are planning to formalize a local cricket program, including the formation of junior teams and the potential for inter-district competition in the near future. This camp not only provided essential sports training but also solidified a strong partnership between local government, senior athletes, and the youth of Viqueque, promising a bright future for cricket in the district.

  • TIMOR-LESTE CRICKET BOARD RAMP UP PLANS: T20 LEAGUE CONFIRMED FOR JANUARY 2026

    TIMOR-LESTE CRICKET BOARD RAMP UP PLANS: T20 LEAGUE CONFIRMED FOR JANUARY 2026

    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.

  • BBI Rising East Tri-Series | Photo Highlights

    BBI Rising East Tri-Series | Photo Highlights

  • Triumph and Future Focus: ICC Greets Timor-Leste Cricket Team

    Triumph and Future Focus: ICC Greets Timor-Leste Cricket Team

    DÍLI, Timor-Leste – November 15, 2025 – The Timor-Leste National Cricket Squad received a warm and significant welcome upon their return home yesterday, following their participation in the Bali Blast Rising East Tri Series in Indonesia. Waiting at Díli’s Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport was Emily O’Brien, the International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Finance & Operations Manager, underscoring the ICC’s commitment to the nation’s budding cricket program.

    The team, which competed against hosts Indonesia and Myanmar, returned with valuable international experience. While the results in the tournament proved challenging for the young side, including several losses by large margins, the focus remains on the long-term development and exposure gained from competing at this level.


    🤝 O’Brien Highlights ICC Support and Development Plans

    Ms. O’Brien met personally with members of the squad, coaching staff, and representatives from the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB). She commended the players for their dedication and courage in facing more established teams in the Tri-Series.

    “The ICC is incredibly proud of the efforts of the Timor-Leste squad,” Ms. O’Brien stated. “Participation in tournaments like the Bali Blast is absolutely crucial. It’s about building a foundation, gaining match experience, and understanding the intensity of international competition. The scores don’t tell the full story; the development and resilience shown by these players are what truly matter.”

    The ICC EAP official’s visit is part of a broader effort to assess the needs and support the growth of cricket in the country. Her discussions at the airport are understood to have centered on future ICC funding allocations, coach education programs, and securing more regional fixtures to accelerate the team’s progress.


    📈 Looking Ahead to a Brighter Cricket Future

    The TLCB has previously met with Olympic leaders, and Ms. O’Brien herself has been actively observing the local cricket scene, including visiting Díli schools, as the game works to cement its place in Timor-Leste’s sporting landscape.

    The focus for the TLCB, supported by the ICC, will now shift to leveraging the Tri-Series experience. This includes implementing structured training regimes and identifying new opportunities for domestic growth and international competition, all aimed at nurturing Timor-Leste’s emerging cricketing talent. The National Squad’s performance, while tough, serves as a vital stepping stone toward a competitive future in the EAP region.

  • Muhammad Yahya Suhail’s All-Round Masterclass Shines for Timor-Leste

    Muhammad Yahya Suhail’s All-Round Masterclass Shines for Timor-Leste

    Bali, Indonesia — In a challenging T20 encounter against Myanmar, Timor-Leste’s Muhammad Yahya Suhail delivered a spectacular Man of the Match performance, providing a much-needed beacon of individual brilliance for the team. Suhail’s efforts, both with the ball and the bat, were instrumental in ensuring Timor-Leste finished with a respectable total against a formidable opponent.

    Suhail’s day began with an impactful bowling spell. He claimed two crucial wickets, most notably dismissing Myanmar’s top-scorer, Ko Ko Lin Thu (71 runs off 46 balls), and swiftly removing the opposition captain, Htet Lin Aung, for a duck. These pivotal breakthroughs were vital in limiting Myanmar’s total to 180.

    However, it was his performance with the bat that truly etched his name into the match report. Facing a daunting target of 181 and with wickets tumbling rapidly around him, Suhail stepped up as the anchor of the innings. He showed tremendous composure and resilience, batting through the rest of the 20 overs to register a heroic 53 not out off 61 deliveries.

    His lone resistance ensured that Timor-Leste pushed their total to 93/7, giving the team a much-needed morale boost and demonstrating the depth of talent within the squad. While the result may not have gone Timor-Leste’s way, Suhail’s all-round display—combining his two key wickets with his unbeaten half-century—was a performance of rare quality, earning him the well-deserved Man of the Match honours.

  • 🤝 ICC and TLCB Meet with Olympic Leaders to Cement Cricket’s Place in Timor-Leste Sports

    🤝 ICC and TLCB Meet with Olympic Leaders to Cement Cricket’s Place in Timor-Leste Sports

    DÍLI – In a pivotal meeting aimed at solidifying the long-term future of cricket within the nation’s sporting landscape, Emily O’Brien, the International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Finance & Operations Manager, visited the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Timor-Leste.

    Ms. O’Brien was joined by Mariana Dias Ximenes Oly, the General Secretary of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB), for discussions with key officials from the National Olympic Committee, signaling a strong move toward greater integration and partnership between the TLCB and the broader national sports authority.


    High-Level Attendance 🗓️

    The meeting, held at the NOC headquarters, saw the presence of the following top National Olympic Committee officials:

    • Mr. Mateus Carvalho da Cruz, 1st Vice President
    • Mr. Vicente de Carvalho da Silva, 2nd Vice President
    • Mr. Laurentino Guterres, Secretary General

    The attendance of the Vice Presidents and the Secretary General underscores the significance the NOC places on the development of new and emerging sports, such as cricket, in Timor-Leste.


    The Agenda: Development and Collaboration 🏏

    The core focus of the discussion was to explore avenues for cooperation, particularly in areas of athlete development, facility usage, and governance standards, as the TLCB continues its mission to grow cricket from the grassroots level up.

    ICC EAP Manager Emily O’Brien presented an overview of the ICC’s development programs and the criteria for maximizing support, stressing the importance of alignment with the nation’s overall sports strategy.

    TLCB General Secretary Mariana Dias Ximenes Oly highlighted the progress made in the Cricket in the Schools program and sought the NOC’s guidance and support in securing access to wider training and competition resources.

    “This meeting marks a crucial step in our journey,” stated Ms. Oly. “Working closely with the National Olympic Committee is essential for ensuring cricket can access the necessary infrastructure and expertise to develop elite Timorese athletes and achieve regional success.”

    Commitment to the Olympic Movement

    NOC officials reportedly expressed their strong support for the TLCB’s efforts. 1st Vice President Mateus Carvalho da Cruz emphasized the NOC’s mandate to assist all national federations in achieving international recognition and providing opportunities for young people.

    “We recognize the passion and growth potential of cricket in Timor-Leste,” a statement from the NOC is expected to read. “We are committed to helping the TLCB integrate effectively into the national sports structure, adhering to the principles of the Olympic Movement.”

    The successful visit is anticipated to pave the way for formal cooperation agreements, potentially unlocking more resources for cricket through Olympic Solidarity programs and strengthening the TLCB’s institutional capacity.

  • 🏏 ICC’s Emily O’Brien Observes Timor-Leste Cricket, Visits Díli Schools

    🏏 ICC’s Emily O’Brien Observes Timor-Leste Cricket, Visits Díli Schools

    DÍLI – The development of cricket in Timor-Leste received a significant boost this week as Emily O’Brien, the International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Finance & Operations Manager, conducted an in-depth visit to observe the progress of the sport in schools and local communities.

    O’Brien, who is on a mission to assess and support the growth of cricket in the nation, has been accompanied by Mariana Dias Ximenes Oly, the General Secretary of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB). The pair have toured several educational institutions and sites, highlighting the TLCB’s commitment to grassroots engagement.


    Grassroots Enthusiasm: School Visits 🏟️

    The visit’s itinerary focused heavily on schools where the cricket program is actively being introduced and embraced.

    • Eskola Finantil Comoro: The tour began at Eskola Finantil Comoro, where O’Brien and Oly witnessed enthusiastic participation in introductory cricket sessions tailored for younger students. The focus here was on soft-ball cricket and fundamental movement skills, ensuring the sport is accessible and fun for all children.
    • Eskola Básico Bidau Akadiruhun: Next, the delegation visited Eskola Básico Bidau Akadiruhun. The sessions observed here showcased the successful integration of cricket into the physical education curriculum. TLCB General Secretary Mariana Dias Ximenes Oly emphasized the social benefits of the sport, noting, “Cricket teaches teamwork and discipline, which are vital for our students’ development.”
    • Eskola 10 de Dezembro Comoro: At Eskola 10 de Dezembro Comoro, the visit highlighted the involvement of both male and female students in structured training drills. Ms. O’Brien reportedly spoke with local coaches about the challenges and successes of developing local coaching capacity and ensuring gender balance in the sport.

    A Look at Future Talent: Díli International School

    A key component of the visit was a stop at Díli International School (DIS). This provided Ms. O’Brien with an opportunity to see how cricket is being adopted in an international school setting, often a crucial step in building a sustainable national structure and identifying a diverse talent pool. The high-quality facilities at DIS offer a different environment for the students, providing valuable insights into the potential for higher-level development.


    ICC Commitment to Timor-Leste

    The presence of a high-ranking ICC official like Emily O’Brien underscores the international body’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste, which is one of the newest members on the global cricketing stage.

    “It is inspiring to see the dedication of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board and the sheer excitement for the game among the children,” O’Brien stated during the tour. “The ICC is keen to partner with the TLCB to ensure a sustainable growth model, focusing on both participation and governance.”

    General Secretary Oly concluded the day by expressing her gratitude for the ICC’s support, affirming, “These visits are invaluable. They not only provide us with critical feedback but also motivate our players, coaches, and volunteers to push Timor-Leste cricket to the next level.”

    The findings from O’Brien’s observations are expected to shape future funding and development strategies for cricket in the country.

  • Timor-Leste VS Myanmar (12th Match)

    Timor-Leste VS Myanmar (12th Match)

    Match Report: Myanmar vs. Timor-Leste

    Date: 14th November 2025 Tournament: Details of the tournament are not available in the provided data, but this was a T20 encounter. Venue: Venue details are not available in the provided data.

    Match Summary

    Myanmar defeated Timor-Leste by a commanding margin of 87 runs in a 20-over contest. Myanmar set a formidable target of 181, which proved too high for the Timor-Leste batsmen despite a valiant effort from their man-of-the-match nominee.

    Result: Myanmar won by 87 runs. Toss: Toss details are not available in the provided data, but Myanmar batted first.

    Myanmar Innings (180/5 in 20 Overs)

    Myanmar’s innings was built on a strong foundation laid by their top order, showcasing aggressive T20 batting. They posted a challenging total of 180 for the loss of five wickets.

    Myanmar Batting Highlights

    The opening partnership provided significant momentum, with Ko Ko Lin Thu top-scoring with a brilliant 71.

    PlayerDismissalRunsBalls4s6sStrike Rate
    Ko Ko Lin Thuc Rahat Kazi b M.Y. Suhail714671154.34
    Pyae Phyo Waib Nazmul Huda524240123.80
    Khin Ayenot out161310123.07
    Total180/5(20.0 Overs)CRR: 9.00

    Timor-Leste Bowling Highlights

    Despite the high score conceded, Timor-Leste’s bowlers managed to break the key partnerships. Muhammad Yahya Suhail provided the crucial double-strike by dismissing both the set Ko Ko Lin Thu and the Myanmar captain Htet Lin Aung.

    BowlerWicketsKey Wicket(s)
    Muhammad Yahya Suhail2Ko Ko Lin Thu, Htet Lin Aung (c)
    Nazmul Huda1Pyae Phyo Wai
    MD Raihan Hossain1
    Elias Tilman1

    Timor-Leste Innings (93/7 in 20 Overs)

    Chasing a target of 181, Timor-Leste struggled against Myanmar’s disciplined bowling attack. The innings was anchored almost single-handedly by Muhammad Yahya Suhail, who showed immense resilience to record a half-century and carry his bat through the innings.

    Timor-Leste Batting Highlights

    The top and middle order failed to contribute, with four batsmen being dismissed without scoring. The partnership between Muhammad Yahya Suhail and Egidio Pinheiro provided the only notable stability.

    PlayerDismissalRunsBalls4s6sStrike Rate
    Muhammad Yahya Suhailnot out53615186.88
    Egidio Pinheiro (wk)b Thuya Aung8310025.80
    MD Raihan Hossainrun out5111045.45
    Total93/7(20.0 Overs)CRR: 4.65

    Myanmar Bowling Highlights

    Myanmar’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the 20 overs, with Thuya Aung leading the wicket-takers.

    BowlerWickets
    Thuya Aung3
    Nyein Cham Soe1
    Other Wickets3 Run Outs

    player of the Match Performance: Muhammad Yahya Suhail (TLS)

    Muhammad Yahya Suhail’s performance was outstanding, showcasing a rare all-round effort for Timor-Leste. With the ball, he claimed two crucial wickets, removing both the top-scorer Ko Ko Lin Thu and the Myanmar captain. However, it was his heroic effort with the bat that truly stood out. Facing a daunting target and collapsing wickets around him, Yahya Sohail battled for 61 deliveries to score 53 not out, becoming the anchor of the innings and ensuring Timor-Leste reached a respectable total of 93.

  • DILI DAZZLES: Criiio Cricket Festival Ignites Women’s Empowerment with Strong ICC EAP Presence

    DILI DAZZLES: Criiio Cricket Festival Ignites Women’s Empowerment with Strong ICC EAP Presence

    DILI DAZZLES: Criiio Cricket Festival Ignites Women’s Empowerment with Strong ICC EAP Presence

    DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – 13 November 2025 – The spirit of cricket shone brightly in Dili yesterday as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) successfully hosted the Criiio Cricket Festival on November 12, 2025. This vibrant event, dedicated to the crucial mission of empowering women through cricket in Timor-Leste, saw overwhelming enthusiasm and competitive play.

    Eight spirited local teams gathered, bringing energy and passion to the pitch, underscoring the rapid growth of the women’s game across the nation.

    Criiio Cricket Banner 2025
    Criiio Cricket Banner 2025

    ICC Commits to Grassroots Growth

    The Festival received significant support and recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia-Pacific (EAP) region, marked by the attendance of Emily O’Brien, the ICC EAP Finance & Operations Manager. Her presence in Dili highlighted the ICC’s dedication to developing cricket at the grassroots level in emerging associate nations.

    “The energy and commitment displayed here today are truly inspiring,” stated Ms. O’Brien. “The Criiio format is perfectly designed to make cricket accessible and fun for everyone. Seeing eight teams of talented women competing shows the tremendous groundwork being laid by the TLCB, and the ICC EAP is proud to support initiatives that link sport directly to empowerment and opportunity.”

    Fast-Paced Action Under the Sun

    The tournament structure was designed for maximum participation and excitement, ensuring all players were actively involved throughout the day. Eight teams competed in a thrilling round-robin format where every team played two intense 8-over matches.

    The adapted, fast-paced Criiio format, using lighter equipment and simplified rules, delivered several nail-biting finishes. The 8-over limit meant that every run, every wicket, and every diving stop was critical, encouraging strategic, aggressive, and highly visible teamwork. Highlights included powerful hitting, impressive boundary catches, and moments of brilliant sportsmanship, demonstrating the fast-improving skill level among the players.

    The TLCB extends its gratitude to all the participating teams, volunteers, and the ICC EAP for making the Criiio Cricket Festival a resounding success and a landmark event for women’s sport in Timor-Leste. The momentum generated from this festival promises a bright future for women’s cricket development in the country.

  • Mayanmar VS Indonesia (11th Match)

    Mayanmar VS Indonesia (11th Match)

    Match Report: Indonesia vs. Myanmar

    Date: 13th November 2025 Format: T20 (20 Overs)

    This detailed report is prepared for tlcb.net, based on the match data for the game played between Indonesia and Myanmar. Indonesia delivered a commanding performance, first restricting Myanmar to a low total and then successfully chasing the target with all wickets intact and plenty of overs to spare.


    Match Summary

    Myanmar batted first and struggled to build partnerships, finishing their innings at 78 runs for 9 wickets in 20.0 overs. In response, Indonesia displayed aggressive and clinical batting, reaching the target in just 9.2 overs without losing a single wicket, scoring 79 runs.

    Result: Indonesia won by 10 wickets (with 10.4 overs remaining).


    Myanmar Innings (78/9 in 20.0 overs)

    Myanmar’s innings was characterized by an early collapse and a slow scoring rate (3.90 runs per over). After losing their first two wickets for zero runs in the first over, the middle and lower order attempted a recovery, primarily led by Nyein Cham Soe. Three players were dismissed via run-outs.

    Myanmar Batting Scorecard

    BatsmanRB4s6sS/RDismissal
    Pyae Phyo Wai01000c Ketut Artawan b Ferdinando Banunaek
    Nay Lin Htun02000c & b Ferdinando Banunaek
    Ko Ko Lin Thu9201045run out (Ferdinando Banunaek / Ahmad Ramdoni)
    Htet Lin Aung (c)150020c Kadek Gamantika b Danilson Hawoe
    Thuya Aung10920111.11c Dharma Kesuma b Maxi Koda
    Khin Aye12330036.36run out (Danilson Hawoe / Kadek Gamantika)
    Htet Lin Oo01000lbw b Danilson Hawoe
    Nyein Cham Soe27283096.42c Ahmad Ramdoni b Danilson Hawoe
    Swann Htet Ko Ko (wk)01000b Kadek Gamantika
    Myat Thu Aung8*160050not out
    Sai Hla Htwe3*40075not out
    Extras8 (0nb, 8wd, 0b, 0lb, 0p)
    Total78/9 (20.0 overs)

    Export to Sheets

    Myanmar Fall of Wickets

    ScoreBatsmanOver
    0/1Pyae Phyo Wai0.1
    2/2Nay Lin Htun0.5
    10/3Ko Ko Lin Thu4.1
    24/4Thuya Aung6
    24/5Htet Lin Aung6.1
    24/6Htet Lin Oo6.2
    54/7Khin Aye14.4
    55/8Swann Htet Ko Ko15
    71/9Nyein Cham Soe18.3

    Export to Sheets

    Indonesia Bowling Performance

    Indonesia’s bowlers were outstanding, with Danilson Hawoe proving to be the most effective, taking three wickets.

    BowlerOMRWECO
    Ferdinando Banunaek301123.66
    Maxi Koda411914.75
    Danilson Hawoe30933.00
    Ketut Artawan20603.00
    Gede Arta20703.50
    Sudhakar Jegannathan301304.33
    Kadek Gamantika301314.33

    Export to Sheets


    Indonesia Innings (79/0 in 9.2 overs)

    Indonesia’s opening pair made short work of the low target, chasing down 79 runs in less than 10 overs. The team’s run rate for the chase was 8.46 per over.

    Gede Priandana dominated the scoring, reaching a half-century, while Anjar Tadarus provided solid support.

    Indonesia Batting Scorecard

    BatsmanRB4s6sS/RDismissal
    Gede Priandana52*3153167.74not out
    Anjar Tadarus22*252088not out
    Extras5 (0nb, 3wd, 2b, 0lb, 0p)
    Total79/0 (9.2 overs)

    Export to Sheets

    Myanmar Bowling Performance

    The Myanmar bowlers could not find a breakthrough in the brief chase.

    BowlerOMRWECO
    Ko Ko Lin Thu302508.33
    Htet Lin Oo201809.00
    Pyae Phyo Wai2023011.50
    Nyein Cham Soe20804.00
    Sai Hla Htwe0.20309.00

    Export to Sheets


    Key Performances

    • Player of the Match (Indonesia): Gede Priandana (52* off 31 balls).
    • Best Bowler (Indonesia): Danilson Hawoe (3-0-9-3).
    • Best Batsman (Myanmar): Nyein Cham Soe (27 runs off 28 balls).