Author: Timor Leste Cricket Board
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Upcoming Match Schedule TLCB 2026
TLCB News: Cricket Fever Grips Liquica as RTCL Enters Decisive Phase
LIQUICA, TIMOR-LESTE – The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) is proud to report that the “Raising Timor Cricket League (RTCL)” is currently electrifying fans at the Liquica Cricket Ground. As we move into February 2026, the competition among our five major men’s squads—Green, Blue, Teal, Yellow, and Red—has reached a fever pitch.
This tournament represents a cornerstone of our 2026 domestic strategy, aimed at identifying local talent to bolster our national team following Timor-Leste’s historic elevation to ICC Associate Member status. With matches scheduled in the fast-paced T20 format, the RTCL is proving to be a masterclass in skill and local passion.
“The energy in Liquica is a testament to how far cricket has come in our nation,” a TLCB representative stated. “Seeing the Green Mens and Yellow Mens battle it out under the morning sun shows that the future of Timor-Leste cricket is bright, professional, and here to stay.”
Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM double-headers to support their colors!
Upcoming Match Schedule: RTCL 2026
Serial Number Date & Time Competitors Ground Name or Place Name 1 Sat, 07 Feb 2026, 08:00 AM Green Mens vs Blue Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica 2 Sat, 07 Feb 2026, 07:00 AM Teal Mens vs Yellow Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica 3 Sat, 07 Feb 2026, 11:00 AM Blue Mens vs Red Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica 4 Sun, 08 Feb 2026, 04:00 AM Green Mens vs Teal Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica 5 Sun, 08 Feb 2026, 07:00 AM Yellow Mens vs Blue Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica 6 Sun, 08 Feb 2026, 11:00 AM Teal Mens vs Red Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica 7 Mon, 09 Feb 2026, 04:00 AM Green Mens vs Yellow Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica 8 Mon, 09 Feb 2026, 11:00 AM Yellow Mens vs Red Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica 9 Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 07:00 AM Teal Mens vs Blue Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica 10 Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 07:00 AM Green Mens vs Red Mens Liquica Cricket Ground, Liquica -
Historic Fundraising Success for Timor-Leste Women’s Cricket in Adelaide
Historic Fundraising Success for Timor-Leste Women’s Cricket in Adelaide Slider1 Location: Adelaide, Australia
Reported by: Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB)
Executive Summary
The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) is proud to report the monumental success of the “An Evening Supporting Timor-Leste Women’s Cricket” fundraising event held last week. Hosted by the Friends of Timor-Leste Women, the event took place on Friday, 16 January 2026, at the prestigious Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. The evening served as a vital initiative to raise funds and awareness for the development of women’s cricket in Timor-Leste following our landmark achievement of becoming an ICC Member and playing our first international matches.
Event Highlights & Proceedings
The evening was a vibrant celebration of sport and international friendship, co-hosted by Sandra Dann, who served as the Emcee. The program included several high-profile speakers:
- Jenny Thompson from the Her World Cricket Tour.
- Ana Joaquim Pedruco, Former Presidential Advisor.
- Mariana Dias Ximenes OLY, General Secretary of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board.
General Secretary Mariana Dias Ximenes represented the TLCB, presenting the official Chairman’s book and special gifts to honored guests as a token of our gratitude. The event also featured a Silent Auction, Raffle, a Mystery Wine Pick, and a popular Timor-Leste Pop-Up Shop.
List of Donors and Contributions
The generosity of the South Australian community resulted in a significant financial boost for Timor-Leste cricket. Notable contributions included:
Donor Item / Contribution Value/Amount Irfan Hashmi (The Australian Pavilion) Signed Travis Head print bat, 3helmets, $1200+ SACA / Adelaide Strikers WBBL 11 signed bat $400 The Drone Guy Professional photography print $500 Heather Croall (Adelaide Fringe) 3 Lucas Croall art prints and a $100 Fringe voucher $750 Artis Wines & Sandra Dann Dozen wines plus 6 bottles from Sandra for Mystery Wine Game $660 Cath & David Hopgood Tais map and book ~$400 Maria Madeira Original painting ~$350 Caricatures by Adam Kennedy Professional caricature services $110 Nell Wood Toys and raffle prizes $100+ Janet Aumann Direct cash donation $200 Mark Young Support for travel and logistics $430 Jenny Thompson Support for travel and logistics $1200 Additional prizes and support were provided by Bronwyn Dann (earrings), Alison Dowell (art cards), Ana Joaquim Pedruco (TL Books), and authors Vicki Foote and Rob Harvey.
Milestones and Acknowledgments
The evening also recognized the excellence of South Australian women’s cricketers, including Wisden’s Leading Woman Cricketers Lyn Fullston, Jill Kennare, Joanne Broadbent, and Karen Rolton. We also celebrated the Recent SA Hall of Fame Inductees and current National Champion teams.
Supporters and Volunteers
Our deepest thanks go to Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta for his ongoing patronage, as well as to Jing Lee MLC and Tammy Franks MLC for their dedicated support.
We also acknowledge the tireless efforts of our volunteers: Danielle Wood, Tara Nicholson, Georgia Gowing, Matthew Akers, Linda Lacey, Melanie Carter, Julia Pitcher, David Kempe, Bruce Stribley, and James Lang.
Official Thank You Message from the Chairman, TLCB
“On behalf of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Australia for their overwhelming support. The ‘huge’ amount raised and the incredible spirit of generosity shown in Adelaide will directly empower our female athletes and help us build a lasting cricket legacy in Timor-Leste. We are especially grateful to the Friends of Timor-Leste Women and all our donors for believing in our journey.”
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Former Olympian Mariana Dias Ximenes Leads Cricket Timor-Leste’s Call for National Support
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – In a powerful display of leadership, the General Secretary of Cricket Timor-Leste (CTL), Mariana Dias Ximenes, held a landmark meeting this week to review the federation’s progress and outline a bold vision for the nation’s youth.
Ximenes, a legendary long-distance runner who famously represented Timor-Leste in the women’s marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has brought her “international courage” and athletic tenacity to the boardroom. During the session, she presented a detailed report on the performance and grassroots activities that defined Timorese cricket in 2025.
2025: A Year of Historic Firsts
The General Secretary highlighted 2025 as a transformative year for the sport, marked by the nation’s official entry onto the international stage. Key achievements presented included:
- International Debut: Timor-Leste played its first-ever official T20 International matches in November 2025 during the Bali Bash International Rising East Asia Tri-Series.
- Youth Development: The expansion of cricket programs into schools, providing hundreds of Timorese youth with their first introduction to the game.
- World-Record Milestones: The emergence of local talent, including the historic debut of the first-ever father-son duo in international cricket (Suhail Sattar and Yahya Suhail), which brought global media attention to the country.
A Direct Plea to the Ministry
Despite the momentum, Ximenes was vocal about the hurdles facing the sport. Drawing on her experience as an Olympian, she sent a firm message to the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Culture (SEJD). She insisted that for the sport to move beyond its “infancy,” the government must provide substantial support for future games.
“I have carried our flag on the Olympic stage, and I know what it takes to compete globally,” Ximenes stated. “Our youth have shown incredible passion and resilience on the cricket field this year. However, passion alone is not enough. We demand that the Ministry stand with us to provide the infrastructure, equipment, and funding necessary to ensure Timor-Leste is not just a participant, but a competitor in the years to come.”
The Road Ahead
The meeting concluded with a showcase of the “Cricket in the Community” initiative, which aims to use the sport as a tool for discipline and teamwork among Timorese youth. With the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers and regional tournaments on the horizon, Ximenes emphasized that the window for investment is now.
The Timor-Leste Cricket Board remains hopeful that this appeal from one of the nation’s most respected sporting icons will trigger a new era of cooperation with the government.
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TLCB GLOBAL NEWS: Major Equipment Donation from UK Bolsters Timor-Leste Cricket Development
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) is proud to announce the successful arrival and handover of a significant donation of cricket equipment, marking a major milestone in the effort to professionalize the sport across the nation.
The donation, which includes 24 high-quality cricket kits specifically for both men and women players, was made possible through a strategic partnership between the Embaixada da RDTL em Londres (Timor-Leste Embassy in London), Bat for a Chance (UK), and Bricon Shipping BS.
A Global Collaborative Effort
This initiative highlights the strong ties between the Timorese diaspora and international sporting charities. The Embassy in London worked closely with UK-based charity Bat for a Chance to source the equipment, while Bricon Shipping BS provided the vital logistical support necessary to transport the gear from the United Kingdom to the shores of Timor-Leste.
The 24 kits comprise professional-grade bats, helmets, pads, and gloves, ensuring that players in Dili and the surrounding districts can train and play with the highest standards of safety and performance.
Official Recognition and Gratitude
In an official statement released today, the Federation expressed its deep appreciation for the individuals and organizations that turned this logistical challenge into a reality:
“The Timor Cricket Federation extends its sincere thanks to Bat for a Chance (UK) for their very generous donation of cricket equipment which arrived in Dili recently. We would also like to thank the Timor-Leste Embassy in the UK and TL Hon Consul in Scotland, Roy Trivedy, for their invaluable supports.
This contribution will make a real difference in growing cricket and supporting our players across the country.
Thank you for your continued support of cricket in Timor-Leste 🏏🇹🇱”
Empowering Men and Women Players
A key focus of this donation is inclusivity. By providing equal numbers of kits for both male and female athletes, the TLCB is reinforcing its commitment to gender equality in sports. These resources will be distributed to regional hubs to ensure that aspiring cricketers, regardless of their location or gender, have the tools they need to succeed.
The TLCB continues to invite partners and the global community to support the growth of cricket as a tool for community building and national pride.
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TLCB EXCLUSIVE: “Women Empowerment Cricket League” Set for March 2026 Launch
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – On the heels of the groundbreaking “Rising Timor” announcement, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) is doubling down on its commitment to gender equality in sports. We are proud to announce the inaugural “Women Empowerment Cricket League” (WECL), scheduled to take center stage in March 2026.
This tournament is specifically timed to coincide with the global celebrations of International Women’s Day, highlighting the TLCB’s mission to make cricket the leading inclusive sport in the nation.
A League with a Vision
While the men’s league focuses on high-speed T20 action, the WECL is designed as a transformative platform for women across the districts. Since over 50% of grassroots players in Timor-Leste are currently girls and young women, this league represents the natural next step in the TLCB’s development roadmap.
Feature Details Tournament Name Women Empowerment Cricket League (WECL) Launch Date March 2026 Organizer Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) Primary Goal Talent identification for the National Women’s Squad Focus Community leadership & athletic excellence
Developing the Next Generation of Queens
The league will serve as the primary selection ground for the Timor-Leste National Women’s Team, as they prepare for their own international debut following the country’s 2025 ICC Associate Member status.
“The WECL is more than just a series of matches; it is a movement. We are providing our women with the equipment, the coaching, and the stage they deserve to prove that the future of Timorese cricket is female.” — TLCB Director of Women’s Cricket.
Tournament Highlights
- District Representation: Teams will likely represent major hubs including Dili, Ermera, Baucau, and Liquiçá, fostering local pride.
- Skill Clinics: Every match day will feature “Learn to Play” sessions for young girls in the audience, led by senior players.
- Professional Standards: For the first time, female players will have access to high-quality 2G Flicx Pitches and standardized equipment to ensure a professional playing environment.
Empowerment Through Sport
Beyond the boundaries, the WECL aims to develop leadership skills. The TLCB has confirmed that the league will also include training for female umpires and match referees, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for women in the sport.
Stay tuned to TLCB.net for team announcements and the official March schedule!
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🏏 Double Wicket Victory in Ermera: 103 Youngsters Master Cricket and English
🏏 Double Wicket Victory in Ermera: 103 Youngsters Master Cricket and English
ERMERA, TIMOR-LESTE — The future of Timor-Leste cricket just got brighter, following a successful and highly impactful six-day training camp held right here in Ermera. A total of 103 enthusiastic boys and girls participated in the multi-faceted program, which not only delivered foundational cricket training but also incorporated essential basic English language speaking courses.
The camp, which concluded yesterday, was hailed as a significant success by the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) and local community leaders. It represents a growing commitment to developing not just sporting talent, but also key life skills among the nation’s youth.
🗣️ Beyond the Boundary: Learning to Speak Up
A unique element of the six-day event was the inclusion of an English speaking course. In an increasingly global sporting world, the ability to communicate in English is vital for engagement with international coaches, match officials, and future opportunities.
“The enthusiasm was infectious,” said one of the camp organizers. “They showed as much dedication to learning the correct grip for a bat as they did to saying ‘Howzat!’ or introducing themselves in English. We believe the dual focus on sport and language will open many doors for these young participants.”
The course concentrated on practical, conversational English, particularly phrases relevant to sportsmanship, teamwork, and traveling.
🎯 Grassroots Cricket Gaining Pace
On the field, the 103 young cricketers, a mix of boys and girls demonstrating a strong commitment to gender equality in sport, were put through their paces. Training covered all fundamentals of the game:
- Batting: Stance, shot selection, and running between the wickets.
- Bowling: Basic techniques for fast and spin bowling.
- Fielding: Catching drills and ground fielding practice.
The high turnout in Ermera underscores the growing appetite for cricket across Timor-Leste, extending the reach of the sport beyond the capital, Dili. The TLCB is actively working to foster this grassroots growth, a key step following Timor-Leste’s recent achievement of Associate Membership with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The young participants are now returning to their communities with new skills in hand and a fresh sense of purpose, carrying the combined tools of sportsmanship and language that will help them succeed both on and off the pitch.
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