Author: Timor Leste Cricket Board

  • TIMOR-LESTE CRICKET ON TRACK FOR HISTORIC SEPTEMBER OPENING AS NCA CONSTRUCTION HITS 50% MILESTONE

    TIMOR-LESTE CRICKET ON TRACK FOR HISTORIC SEPTEMBER OPENING AS NCA CONSTRUCTION HITS 50% MILESTONE

    LIQUIÇÁ, TIMOR-LESTE — In a major breakthrough for the development of sports infrastructure in Southeast Asia, the Chairman of Timor-Leste Cricket recently conducted a crucial site inspection at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Liquiçá to evaluate the ongoing construction scenario.

    Progress on the state-of-the-art high-performance training facility has reached a pivotal 50% completion milestone. Officials confirmed that the Kobe House accommodation is fully finished and ready for immediate use, while the construction of essential on-site toilet facilities is moving at a rapid pace, with completion locked in for this coming Sunday.

    To ensure the long-term sustainability of the academy’s future operations, a dedicated borewell drilling team is currently working on-site, prioritizing the location of a reliable underground water source.

    Liquica Cricket Academy Construction Work is being observed by the Chairman Cricket Timor-Leste.

    The remaining infrastructure works are projected to take between 20 to 25 working days, depending on local weather conditions. Timor-Leste Cricket is aggressively targeting September 2026 for the official commencement of operational activities. Once fully operational, the NCA will serve as the premier hub for nurturing young talent, providing coach and umpire education, and hosting both domestic and international training camps.

    Partner With Us: A Blueprint for Donors

    As Timor-Leste Cricket approaches the final stretch of this historic build, international donors, corporate sponsors, and cricket enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Contributions at this critical stage will directly fund the finalization of essential training infrastructure, high-performance equipment, and grassroots youth development programs. By investing in the NCA, donors are not just building facilities—they are empowering the next generation of athletes and anchoring the long-term growth of cricket across the nation.

    To explore partnership opportunities or make a direct contribution to this landmark project, please contact the Timor-Leste Cricket Board Officials today to discuss how you can help bring this vision to life.

    Call to Action: Stay updated on the final phases of this historic sports build! Share this report with your network, and if you or your organization are ready to support the future of cricket in Southeast Asia, reach out to the Timor-Leste Cricket Board Officials today to find out how you can contribute to the NCA project.

  • Global Spotlight: ICC Features Timor-Leste Women’s Cricket on Official Website!

    Global Spotlight: ICC Features Timor-Leste Women’s Cricket on Official Website!

    DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — In a major milestone for the growth of local sports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially recognized the development of women’s cricket in Timor-Leste. A special video spotlight highlighting the country’s recent celebrations for “ICC Women’s Cricket Week” has been uploaded to the official global ICC website.

    The feature, published during the ongoing 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup global celebrations, showcases how the sport is taking root across diverse communities. The video captures the immense passion, energy, and talent of young Timorese girls and women discovering the game through the ICC’s grassroots criiio program.

    This global spotlight stands as a testament to the hard work of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB), which has been pushing to make cricket accessible to every citizen. From its humble roots of children playing with handmade cardboard bats to structured tournaments like the Women’s Empowerment Cricket League (WECL), the progress has caught the eye of cricket’s highest governing body.

    “Seeing our players recognized on the official ICC platform is an incredibly proud moment for TLCB and the entire nation,” a board representative shared. “It proves that despite our current infrastructure challenges, the unbreakable spirit of our athletes is shining through on the world stage.”

    The recognition comes at a perfect time as TLCB continues its mission to establish the country’s first international-standard National Cricket Academy in Liquiçá. For fans and supporters eager to see the visual journey of how cricket is transforming lives across our districts, the full feature is available to watch under the global spotlight on the ICC website.

  • Infrastructure Milestone: Chairman Directs Vital Water Bore Project to Keep National Cricket Academy Progressing in Liquiçá

    Infrastructure Milestone: Chairman Directs Vital Water Bore Project to Keep National Cricket Academy Progressing in Liquiçá

    LIQUIÇÁ, TIMOR-LESTE — Construction on the historic National Cricket Academy grounds in Liquiçá has been processing steadily over the past few months. Now, the project has reached a critical turning point.

    Faced with a severe water shortage that threatened to stall the development of the pitch and facility, the Chairman of Cricket Timor-Leste has stepped up to personally launch and fund a new water bore facility on the academy grounds.

    Overcoming Roadblocks to Progress

    While structural building work has moved forward over the last few months, a major hurdle remained: a reliable water supply. Fresh water is absolutely essential not only to sustain construction and complete the buildings, but also to grow and maintain the turf grass needed for a professional playing pitch.

    In an effort to keep the academy timeline on track, the Chairman took the personal initiative to dig and build the water bore facility. Strikingly, the Chairman is driving this vital project entirely by himself, taking on the logistical and financial responsibility without any prominent support from Timor-Leste government officials.

    Feature Image National Cricket Academy Liquica.png

    Built for the Future of Youth Sports

    The National Cricket Academy in Liquiçá is being built to serve as the crown jewel of grassroots sports development in the country. Once complete, it will house hundreds of young boys and girls coming from the districts for high-level athletic training.

    “We simply cannot afford to wait or let our momentum slow down,” a representative close to the construction site noted. “The Chairman saw that without water, the academy’s growth would stop. By establishing this bore system independently, he is ensuring that our kids will have a world-class field to play on, regardless of institutional delays.”

    How You Can Help: A Appeal to Our Global Cricket Family

    While the Chairman’s personal leadership has successfully broken ground on the water bore system, building an international-standard sports facility from scratch requires a collective community effort.

    The Timor-Leste Cricket Board is an ambitious, grassroots organization striving to change lives through sport. To help us complete the main academy building, purchase safety equipment, and maintain our brand-new water infrastructure, we need your help.

    Support the Dream: If you are a fan of cricket, a believer in youth development, or a business looking to make a lasting social impact, please consider donating to our academy project. Every cent goes directly toward creating a safe, empowering home for young Timorese athletes.

    To find out how to make a secure donation, sponsor a youth player, or view live progress photos of the construction, please visit tlcb.net/donate.

  • Celebrating ICC Women’s Cricket Week: A Historic Day for Sports in Dili

    Celebrating ICC Women’s Cricket Week: A Historic Day for Sports in Dili

    DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — Today, Sunday, June 21, 2026, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) celebrated a major milestone for women’s sports. The board hosted the grand finale of a week-long cricket festival right here in the capital city of Dili.

    This event was part of a global celebration. All around the world, cricket boards joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) to honor female athletes. The TLCB spent the entire week traveling to different towns and villages across Timor-Leste to introduce the game. Today, those efforts ended with a massive and joyful gathering in Dili.

    A Historic Celebration of Women’s Cricket Week

    The highlight of the day was the incredible turnout. A huge crowd of women and young girls completely filled the sports grounds in Dili. It was one of the largest gatherings of female athletes the country has ever seen.

    Women;s Cricket Week

    From young primary school students to older teenagers, hundreds of passionate players came together. The atmosphere was filled with non-stop cheering, laughter, and a strong sense of community.

    Fun and Active Cricket Training

    To help everyone learn the sport, TLCB coaches and trainers turned the festival into a fun academy. The participants were divided into different groups depending on their experience:

    • The Batting Zone: Brand-new players learned how to hold the bat properly, stand correctly, and hit the ball.
    • The Bowling Station: Trainers taught the basic steps of overarm bowling, focusing on how to throw straight and hit the wickets.
    • Agility Drills: Fast and exciting catching games helped the girls improve their reflexes and teamwork.

    After practicing these skills, the players formed teams and played short, high-energy matches against each other.

    Building a Strong Future for Girls in Sport

    By joining this global ICC event, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board is opening new doors for women and girls in sports. School teachers and community leaders attended the event to show their support, praising the board for giving young women a safe and encouraging place to stay healthy and active.

    “We spent the whole week traveling to different spots, but seeing this massive crowd of girls playing cricket together in Dili today is amazing,” a senior TLCB official said at the closing ceremony. “Today proves that women’s cricket has a bright future in Timor-Leste. We will keep supporting these players by creating new school leagues and regular training programs.”

    As this global week comes to a close, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board is proud of the momentum they have built and is ready to help the next generation of female cricket heroes grow.

  • Cricket Training Series Continues to Flourish with Immersive Session at Cribas School, Manatuto

    Cricket Training Series Continues to Flourish with Immersive Session at Cribas School, Manatuto

    CRIBAS, MANATUTO — In continuation of its aggressive youth development campaign across the districts, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) successfully conducted a targeted youth training session today, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the local school in Cribas, Manatuto.

    The high-energy event forms a key part of the board’s ongoing nationwide training series designed to lock in the growing momentum established during initial exhibition matches earlier this season.

    Refining Skills at the Grassroots

    Moving past basic introductions, today’s training module gave local school students a more comprehensive look into structured cricket tactics. TLCB development officers and regional facilitators divided the enthusiastic students into specialized, rotating groups focused on expanding their physical fitness and hand-eye coordination.

    Key Highlights of the Session:

    • Strategic Venue: Hosted on-site at the school in Cribas, Manatuto, on June 10, 2026.
    • Targeted Curriculum: Advanced instruction on batting grip, directional hitting, and bowling arm positioning.
    • Continuing Education: Part of a structured, multi-week training pipeline deployed by the national board.
    Featured Image Cirbus School

    Solidifying the Sport Outside Dili

    By maintaining a consistent presence in Cribas, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board is proving that its regional expansion goals are built on sustainability rather than one-off events. Local educators heavily praised the coaching staff for bringing structured physical activity back to the school ground, emphasizing how well the teamwork and discipline of cricket translate into the classroom.

    The natural athletic instincts of the Cribas youth were on full display during the afternoon’s match simulations, with coaches noting significant improvement in game awareness compared to last month’s preliminary drills.

    “We promised the community of Manatuto that our first visit was just the beginning,” a TLCB development official noted at the conclusion of the session. “Returning to Cribas School allows us to monitor individual player growth and keep these kids actively engaged. This ongoing training series is precisely how we discover the future national team stars who will one day proudly wear our country’s colors.”

    As the training series rolls forward into the winter months, the TLCB plans to expand its school-based network even further, ensuring cricket equipment and professional guidance remain accessible to youth across the country.

    For schedule updates on the next stops in the TLCB Regional Training Series, visit the official hub at tlcb.net.

  • Oceans of Joy as Massive Crowds of School Children Flood 3rd Edition of Criiio Cup at Centro Shallom Bebonuk

    Oceans of Joy as Massive Crowds of School Children Flood 3rd Edition of Criiio Cup at Centro Shallom Bebonuk

    BEBONUK, DILI — The fields of Eskola Centro Shallom Bebonuk were transformed into a sea of vibrant energy on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) proudly hosted the highly anticipated 3rd Edition of the Criiio Cup.

    Building on the foundation laid by previous tournaments, this year’s landmark event proved to be a spectacular celebration of youth sports, community, and the unstoppable growth of cricket across the nation.

    A Spectacular Turnout of Passionate Youth

    From early morning, an overwhelming wave of enthusiastic boys and girls packed the venue, creating an electric atmosphere filled with non-stop cheering and laughter. The scale of participation was a breathtaking sight, with children from all backgrounds stepping onto the pitch to embrace the “Criiio” spirit.

    Rather than focusing on numbers, the true story of the day was written in the sheer density of the crowd—a massive assembly of young Timorese athletes waiting eagerly for their turn at the crease, showcasing an unprecedented level of interest in the sport.

    3rd Criiio Cup 2026

    Schools Unite Across the District

    The 3rd Edition achieved its massive scale thanks to an incredible cross-school collaboration. A wide network of different primary and secondary schools from across Dili and surrounding areas rallied together, sending large delegations of students to participate.

    The camaraderie between the different school institutions was a major highlight, as rivalries were set aside in favor of shared learning, teamwork, and mutual respect under the guidance of TLCB coaches and facilitators.

    Unleashing the Cricket Spirit

    The festival kept the endless crowds of children constantly engaged with a variety of specialized mini-games, high-energy batting drills, and fast-paced matches. Because the “Criiio” format relies on accessible, user-friendly equipment, every child present—regardless of prior experience—got the opportunity to feel the thrill of hitting a ball or taking a wicket.

    “Seeing this venue completely overflow with joyful children from so many different schools is a historic moment for us,” noted a senior TLCB coordinator at the close of the day. “The 3rd Edition of the Criiio Cup has shattered all expectations. It proves that cricket is no longer just being introduced to Timor-Leste—it is being passionately claimed by the next generation.”

    As the sun set over Bebonuk, the echoing cheers of the massive crowd left no doubt that the annual Criiio Cup has solidified its place as one of the most beloved and impactful youth sporting events in the country.

    To find out if your school participated and to view our extensive photo galleries of the day, visit the official home of Timorese cricket at tlcb.net.

  • Subject: High-Energy Training Camp at Escola Nicolau Lobato Solidifies Cricket’s Growth in Dili

    Subject: High-Energy Training Camp at Escola Nicolau Lobato Solidifies Cricket’s Growth in Dili

    DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) successfully hosted a dynamic youth cricket training camp at the prominent Escola Nicolau Lobato in the nation’s capital.

    Coming hot on the heels of yesterday’s community clinic in Bebonuk, this school-based camp marks a critical step forward in the TLCB’s ongoing mission to integrate cricket into the formal educational and physical education structures of Timor-Leste.

    Students Embrace the Game

    The sports fields of Escola Nicolau Lobato were transformed into vibrant training ground zones as a large, enthusiastic contingent of both boys and girls stepped up to participate. The program focused on giving students an immersive, hands-on experience, moving quickly from basic rule overviews into active gameplay.

    Camp Highlights:

    • Premier Location: Hosted at Escola Nicolau Lobato, Dili, on May 29, 2026.
    • Mass Participation: High turnout of passionate male and female students representing various grade levels.
    • Intensive Modules: Professional coaching split into stations for progressive batting stance, bowling accuracy, and rapid reflexes during fielding.

    Building Strategic School Partnerships

    By bringing international-standard grassroots training directly into schools like Escola Nicolau Lobato, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board is building sustainable pathways for youth sports development. School administrators and teachers heavily supported the initiative, noting that the discipline, strategic thinking, and teamwork required in cricket perfectly align with student development goals.

    TLCB development officers were highly impressed by the raw athletic capability and focus demonstrated by the students throughout the day, with several standouts already earmarked for advanced regional tracking.

    “Escola Nicolau Lobato has shown fantastic energy today,” a TLCB Head Coach remarked at the close of the camp. “Partnering directly with schools allows us to introduce the game to hundreds of children in a structured environment. The passion we witnessed today assures us that the foundation we are laying in Dili is incredibly strong.”

    As the month of May wraps up with record-breaking youth participation across the districts and capital, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board continues to prove that cricket is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting new chapters in the nation’s sporting history.

    For student registration details and the upcoming June school tournament schedule, stay tuned to tlcb.net.

  • Cricket Expansion Continues: TLCB Introduces the Sport to Youth in Bebonuk, Dom Aleixo

    Cricket Expansion Continues: TLCB Introduces the Sport to Youth in Bebonuk, Dom Aleixo

    BEBONUK, DILI — The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) carried its national grassroots momentum into the Dom Aleixo administrative post on Thursday, May 28, 2026, hosting a specialized cricket introduction and training session in the vibrant community of Bebonuk.

    The event marked another significant step forward in the board’s strategic efforts to embed cricket into suburban communities across the capital district, tapping into a fresh wave of athletic talent.

    Igniting a New Passion

    The training session specifically targeted local school children and teenagers, drawing a passionate group of both boys and girls eager to learn a new sport. For the vast majority of the young participants, the afternoon provided their very first encounter with cricket equipment, safety gear, and the basic rules of the game.

    Session Highlights:

    • Targeted Outreach: Held in Bebonuk, Dom Aleixo, Dili, on May 28, 2026.
    • Inclusive Training: Equal participation from passionate young boys and girls.
    • Core Fundamentals: Interactive modules focused on the joy of hitting the ball (batting), hitting the wickets (bowling), and active fielding drills.

    From First Hits to Future Heroes

    Led by a dedicated team of TLCB development officers, the session was structured around fast-paced, high-energy games to keep the atmosphere fun and engaging. The coaches focused heavily on hand-eye coordination and teamwork, ensuring that every child walked away with a foundational understanding of the sport.

    The response from the Bebonuk youth was overwhelmingly positive, with many showing an immediate flair for batting and a strong desire for more regular playing opportunities.

    “Dom Aleixo is one of the most densely populated and energetic areas in Dili, making Bebonuk a crucial focus for us,” noted a TLCB official at the conclusion of the event. “The passion these boys and girls displayed today proves that the appetite for cricket is growing rapidly. We are committed to returning here with more equipment and structured programs.”

    By continually expanding these local training sessions, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board is successfully broadening its talent pool while providing community youth with positive, health-focused recreational outlets.

  • Cricket Training Camp Sparks Sporting Revolution in Cribas: 200 Boys and Girls Take the Field

    Cricket Training Camp Sparks Sporting Revolution in Cribas: 200 Boys and Girls Take the Field

    CRIBAS, MANATUTO — Following the highly successful exhibition match earlier this month, Cricket Timor-Leste (TLCB) has officially shifted into high gear with a massive Cricket Training Camp right here in the Cribas region of Manatuto.

    The initiative has drawn an overwhelming response from the community, with approximately 200 passionate boys and girls stepping onto the pitch to develop their skills and embrace the spirit of the sport.

    An Inclusive Grassroots Movement

    The training camp stands out for its incredible turnout and inclusivity, bringing together male and female youth from various local schools and villages. For many of the participants, this intensive camp represents their first structured introduction to the game, providing professional guidance on batting, bowling, and fielding fundamentals.

    Key Highlights of the Training Camp:

    • Massive Turnout: Around 200 young Timorese boys and girls actively participating.
    • Skill Development: Focused coaching sessions on batting stance, bowling actions, and teamwork.
    • Regional Expansion: Building on TLCB’s strategic mission to grow cricket beyond the capital city of Dili.

    Shaping the Future of Timorese Cricket

    Under the close supervision of qualified TLCB development officers and facilitators, the camp is designed to transform initial curiosity into long-term athletic passion. The energy on the field has been electric, as the children master the basics and showcase the natural athletic talent that the board hopes to nurture for future national youth squads.

    “The enthusiasm we are seeing in Cribas is proof that cricket is capturing the imagination of our youth across the districts,” a TLCB media representative stated. “With 200 children training hard every day, Manatuto is quickly positioning itself as a major hub for the future of the sport in Timor-Leste.”

    The success of this camp further underscores the Timor-Leste Cricket Board’s commitment to building a sustainable cricket pipeline from the grassroots up, ensuring that every child has a platform to play, grow, and excel.

    Follow the camp’s progress and view our media gallery at tlcb.net.