The Timor-Leste Cricket Federation has decided to select Tasi-Ibun Pelila in the Liquiça Municipality as the venue to organize an upcoming event, due to insufficient available fields (kampu la sufisiente) elsewhere.
This move aims to support the continued growth of cricket in Timor-Leste, where facilities remain limited despite increasing interest in the sport across municipalities. Liquiça has previously hosted successful cricket activities, including league matches and tournaments such as elements of the Raising Timor Cricket League. The federation’s choice highlights efforts to decentralize cricket development beyond the capital, Dili, and promote grassroots participation in areas like Liquiça. Further details on the specific event—potentially a tournament, training camp, or festival—are expected to be announced soon by the Federação de Criquete Timor-Leste (also known as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board).
Cricket Federation of Timor-Leste Partners with Local School to Promote the Sport
In a significant move to expand sports education, the Federasaun Ciquete Timor-Leste (Cricket Federation of Timor-Leste) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Escola Sekundaria Jeral Finantil (0:00-0:25).
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
Teacher Training: The federation is committed to developing the sport within the school by providing specialized training for teachers (1:40), equipping them to facilitate cricket activities.
National Talent Development: This partnership aims to identify and nurture young athletes (2:23) who have the potential to represent Timor-Leste on the national stage.
Holistic Education: Beyond sports, the program intends to integrate foundational skills, including English and computer training, for the participating students (2:05).
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — The sun beat down on the capital yesterday as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) wrapped up an intensive high-performance training camp, signaling a bold new chapter for the nation’s cricketing ambitions.
Following Timor-Leste’s historic admission as an ICC Associate Member in 2025, the TLCB is wasting no time. Yesterday’s session in Dili focused on sharpening the technical skills of both the Men’s and Women’s national pools as they prepare for a packed 2026 international calendar.
ERMERA, Timor-Leste – The sound of leather hitting willow has officially arrived in the highlands! The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) is thrilled to announce the successful launch of our inaugural Training Clinic in Ermera, marking a massive milestone for the sport’s expansion across the nation.
This isn’t just about wickets and runs; it’s about building the future of Timorese youth.
A Powerful Start
The turnout has been nothing short of historic. We are seeing incredible enthusiasm from the local community:
Total Reach: 190 young Timorese girls and boys have stepped onto the pitch.
Dedication: An impressive 165 participants maintained a perfect attendance record across all sessions.
The Schedule: The clinic runs every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, providing a consistent environment for growth.
More Than Just a Game: Cricket & Literacy
In a unique twist to sports development, the TLCB is ensuring these athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom. Under the expert guidance of Coach Zacaria, Dr. Tayyeb, and Paulina, the program delivered:
6 High-Energy Cricket Sessions: Focusing on the fundamentals of batting, bowling, and fielding.
3 Basic English Classes: Integrated directly into the clinic hours to boost communication skills and global readiness.
“This program is a triple threat for youth development—focusing on physical health, education, and empowerment,” says the TLCB coaching team. “Seeing 190 kids eager to learn a new sport and a new language simultaneously is a testament to the potential in Ermera.”
Looking Ahead
The Ermera Training Clinic is not a one-time event. This program will continue every week, serving as a blueprint for how the TLCB intends to use cricket as a tool for social change and empowerment throughout Timor-Leste.
Stay tuned as we continue to nurture the next generation of Timorese cricketers!
🏏 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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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.
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.
