Category: Media
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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.
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Stay updated on our journey across the districts at tlcb.net.
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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.
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Women’s Empowerment Cricket League WECL 2026 (Highlights)
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Building the Future: Phase 1 of National Cricket Academy (NCA) Officially Completed!
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) is thrilled to announce a major milestone in the development of the sport within our nation. Construction of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) office has officially reached its first significant breakthrough, marking a new era for aspiring athletes across the country.
The project, which aims to centralize training, education, and administration, has successfully completed its initial structural phase. This development provides a dedicated space for the growth of cricket, ensuring that both the infrastructure and the talent of Timor-Leste have a place to call home.
In a statement following the site inspection, Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Javed, Chairman of Cricket Timor-Leste, expressed his gratitude and shared the vision for this new facility:
“We are happy to inform everyone that the first phase of NCA has been successfully completed. We now have two container rooms ready to accommodate young Timorese boys and girls, where they will receive education, learn skills, and play cricket at this facility. This center is open for all cricket lovers to visit and support. I am truly thankful once again to all Cricket Timor-Leste supporters, friends, and cricket lovers. Without all of you, this would not have been possible. Next phase coming soon, InshaAllah. Together we continue building the future of cricket in Timor-Leste.”
A Call to Our Global Cricket Family: Support the Next Phase
While we celebrate the completion of Phase 1, our journey is far from over. To transform this academy into a world-class training ground, we need the continued support of our donors, partners, and the global cricket community.
Your contributions go directly toward:
- Expanding training facilities for youth teams.
- Providing cricket gear and educational materials for young players.
- Completing the next phases of construction (InshaAllah).
Be a part of history. Every donation helps a young Timorese player step onto the pitch with confidence. Join us in building the future of cricket in Timor-Leste.
[Donate Now / Contact TLCB for Sponsorship Opportunities]
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Groundbreaking Milestone: Construction Begins on Timor-Leste National Cricket Academy
LIQUIÇÁ – The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) is thrilled to announce a historic leap for the nation’s sporting landscape. Construction has officially commenced on the National Cricket Academy in Liquiçá, marking the start of a new era for cricket in the country.
The project is being spearheaded under the direct supervision of TLCB General Secretary, Mrs. Mariana Dias Ximenes. Her leadership on-site ensures that this flagship facility meets the high standards required to nurture the next generation of East Timorese talent.
A Vision for Growth and Empowerment
This academy is more than just a training ground; it represents a strategic pillar in the TLCB’s mission to professionalize the sport. By investing in world-class infrastructure, the board aims to bridge the gap between local talent and international competition.
Key Focus Areas of the New Academy:
- High-Performance Training: Providing modern nets, pitches, and equipment for national squads.
- Youth Development: Creating a centralized hub for scouting and coaching rising stars.
- Gender Equality: A dedicated emphasis on empowering women in sport, ensuring female athletes have equal access to elite resources and coaching.
“This marks a major step forward in developing cricket infrastructure and empowering future generations,” the Board stated in an official release. “We are building a foundation where every young Timorese, especially our women, can find their place in the game.”
What’s Next?
As the foundation is laid in Liquiçá, the TLCB continues to work closely with local authorities and international partners to ensure the academy becomes a beacon of sporting excellence in Southeast Asia.
Stay tuned to TLCB.net for exclusive photos and progress reports as we build the future of Timorese cricket, one brick at a time.
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Timor-Leste Cricket Federation Selects Tasi-Ibun Pelila in Liquiça for Upcoming Event Amid Field Shortage
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
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).
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The Crocodiles are Ready! 🇹🇱 Highlights from Yesterday’s TLCB Training Camp
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.
