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.

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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.

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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.

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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.