Author: Timor Leste Cricket Board
-
Cricket Makes Historic Debut in Cribas, Manatuto: TLCB Inspires Over 100 Young Students
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.
Cribas, Manatuto 
Cribas, Manatuto1 
Cribas, Manatuto 2 
Cribas, Manatuto 3 
Cribas, Manatuto 4 
Cribas, Manatuto 5 
Cribas, Manatuto 6 
Cribas, Manatuto 7 Cribas, Manatuto 8
Stay updated on our journey across the districts at tlcb.net.
-
240 Students Gather in Dili as 160 Compete in Annual Criiio Cup
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — The future of Timorese sport was on full display yesterday, May 8, 2026, as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) hosted its latest “Criiio Cup” festival at the heart of the capital city.
Building on the annual tradition established in 2025, this year’s event saw a massive turnout of enthusiastic school children, marking a significant milestone in the TLCB’s mission to integrate cricket into the national culture.
Youth Participation Reaches New Heights
The festival brought together a diverse group of 240 boys and girls from various local schools, highlighting the inclusive nature of the “Criiio” format. Of these participants, 160 students took active part in structured matches and specialized skill-based games designed to test their agility, teamwork, and budding cricket techniques.
Highlights of the Day:
- Mass Engagement: 240 school kids registered for the day’s activities.
- Active Competition: 160 participants competed in high-energy games and drills.
- Equality in Sport: The event featured a strong balance of both male and female student-athletes.
- Date of Event: Friday, May 8, 2026.
Strengthening the Grassroots
As the official host and organizer, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board continues to use the Criiio Cup as its primary vehicle for grassroots development. By engaging hundreds of children in a single day, the board is effectively building the foundation for the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and identifying the next generation of talent to represent the “Crocodiles” on the international stage.
The energy on the field remained electric from start to finish, with local educators and board officials praising the discipline and joy shown by the young participants. Following the success of this May 8th event, the TLCB has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the Criiio Cup a permanent, annual fixture for the youth of Dili.
For more photos and a full list of participating schools, visit the official board website at tlcb.net.
Criiio Cup 2026 -
Annual Criiio Cup: Empowering Timor-Leste’s Youth through Cricket since 2025
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — The roar of excitement and the sound of willow hitting leather have returned to the capital as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) kicks off the latest edition of the “Criiio Cup.”
Now established as a cornerstone of the national sporting calendar, the Criiio Cup is a grassroots cricket festival specifically designed to introduce the joy of the game to children across Timor-Leste. By utilizing the ICC’s “Criiio” format—which emphasizes flexibility and fun using any bat, any ball, and any playing surface—the TLCB is successfully breaking down barriers to entry for the next generation of “Crocodiles.”
A Legacy of Growth
The journey began in 2025, when the TLCB organized the inaugural event shortly after the country gained official status within the international cricket community. What started as a bold pilot program has now blossomed into an annual tradition that children across Dili and surrounding districts look forward to every year.
Event Highlights:
- Youth Focus: The tournament is exclusively for children, focusing on participation, teamwork, and physical fitness.
- Grassroots Development: The event serves as the primary scouting ground for the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
- Community Impact: Beyond the boundaries, the festival brings families together, fostering a vibrant new sports culture in a nation traditionally dominated by football.
A Word from the Board
Organizers at the Timor-Leste Cricket Board emphasized that the Criiio Cup is about more than just finding elite talent; it’s about providing a safe and energetic environment for children to learn the values of sportsmanship.
“Since that first successful event in 2025, our mission has been consistency,” a board spokesperson noted. “By hosting this cup every year, we ensure that cricket isn’t just a one-time curiosity, but a permanent part of Timorese childhood.”
As the matches continue throughout the week, the energy in Dili remains high. With the sun setting over the pitch and hundreds of children cheering on their peers, it is clear that the future of cricket in Timor-Leste is brighter than ever.
-
TLCB News: Anticipation Builds for the Inaugural Men’s “Timor-Leste Super League”
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – In a move set to electrify the nation’s burgeoning sports scene, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) has officially confirmed that the inaugural Men’s “Timor-Leste Super League” is on the horizon.
Following the country’s historic entry as an Associate Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2025, the TLCB is now shifting its focus toward high-performance domestic competition. This new “Super League” represents a major step forward for the “Crocodiles,” the national team, as they look to build on their recent international debut and climb the world rankings.
Key Details at a Glance:
- Official League Name: Timor-Leste Super League.
- Format: Men’s Elite Cricket.
- Host Organization: Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) via their official platform at tlcb.net.
- Status of Dates: Dates have not yet been finalized by the TLCB.
- Official Update: Official scheduling and team rosters are expected to be announced very soon via the board’s official website.
This announcement comes on the heels of several major milestones for the federation, including the successful completion of Phase 1 of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and a growing roster of domestic tournaments like the Rising Timor Cricket League (RTCL).
Cricket fans across the country and the wider East Asia-Pacific region are encouraged to keep a close watch on tlcb.net for the latest breaking news regarding match fixtures and venue details.
-
Women’s Empowerment Cricket League WECL 2026 (Highlights)
Women’s Empowerment Cricket League 
Women’s Empowerment Cricket League 2026 WECL (1)
