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.
TOKYO, JAPAN – In a historic moment for the nation’s sporting landscape, the Chairman of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB), Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Javed, represented the country at the ICC East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Regional Conference 2026.
Held in the vibrant city of Tokyo from February 20 to 22, the event marked Timor-Leste’s official debut on the regional cricket stage, signaling a new era of international integration for the “Crocodiles.”
A Milestone for Timor-Leste
The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially welcomed Timor-Leste as the 12th member to attend the regional gathering. The conference, hosted by the Japan Cricket Association, brought together leaders from across the Pacific to discuss the future of the sport under the theme: “Business of Sport – Connecting Cricket with Younger Audiences.”
Speaking from Tokyo, Chairman Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Javed emphasized the importance of this participation:
“Being part of the ICC EAP family opens doors for our youth. Our goal is to take the insights from this conference and build a sustainable cricket culture in Timor-Leste that inspires the next generation.”
Strategic Vision: Towards the 2032 Olympics
The 2026 conference focused heavily on the “road to 2032,” highlighting cricket’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. With the 2026 Asian Games and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier 2028 on the horizon, the region is bracing for an unprecedented surge in popularity.
Key Highlights of the Conference:
Youth Engagement: Delegates explored modern, innovative approaches to making cricket more accessible to digital-savvy younger demographics.
Regional Collaboration: Mr. Javed engaged in high-level discussions with ICC Management and representatives from 11 other member nations to foster partnerships.
Sustainable Growth: The agenda focused on what must “go right” in 2026 to accelerate progress for emerging nations like Timor-Leste.
The Road Ahead
The TLCB delegation returns home with a strategic framework designed to align Timor-Leste with global standards. By focusing on grassroots development and regional cooperation, the Board aims to utilize the momentum of the 2028 World Cup Qualifiers to put Timor-Leste firmly on the cricketing map.
The ICC team and the Japan Cricket Association, led by Alex Miyaji, expressed their delight in welcoming Timor-Leste, noting that the inclusion of the 12th member strengthens the collective voice of cricket in the East Asia-Pacific region.
ICC EAST ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2026ICC EAST ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 1ICC EAST ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 2ICC EAST ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 3ICC EAST ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 4ICC EAST ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 5ICC EAST ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 6ICC EAST ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 7ICC EAST ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 8
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!
GLOBAL SUPPORT FOR TIMORESE CRICKET: GENEROUS DONATION BOOSTS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — Cricket Timor-Leste (CTL) is proud to announce a significant show of international support following a generous financial contribution from a group of dedicated cricket enthusiasts.
In a recent meeting with the board, Cath, Jarryd, Monica, and Briant personally presented a donation of USD 450 to help drive the growth of the sport across the nation. This contribution arrives as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) continues its mission to establish a vibrant, sustainable cricket culture in one of the world’s newest cricketing nations.
Building the Future of the Game
As an emerging member of the international cricket community, the TLCB oversees a wide range of essential activities and operational expenses required to keep the sport thriving. Contributions from the community and international supporters are vital in maintaining the momentum of the game. General board activities and expenses include:
Grassroots Outreach: Introducing cricket to schools and local communities to find the next generation of talent.
Infrastructure & Equipment: Procuring and maintaining high-quality cricket gear and developing safe playing facilities.
Domestic Competitions: Organizing local leagues and tournaments to provide consistent match experience for players.
Technical Training: Funding the certification and development of local coaches, umpires, and administrators to meet international standards.
A Special Message of Gratitude from the Chairman
Reflecting on the impact of this support, Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Javed, Chairman of Cricket Timor-Leste, issued the following statement of thanks:
“Dear Cath, Jarryd, Monica, and Briant,
Thank you all so much for coming over and for your very generous contribution of USD 450 to support Cricket Timor-Leste. It truly means a great deal to Timorese cricket.
This is such a wonderful gesture and really shows how much you care about the game and its development here. We are sincerely grateful for your support.
These funds will be instrumental in supporting our ongoing activities and creating more opportunities for players across Timor-Leste. Thanks again for your kindness and continued support.
Warm regards,
Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Javed > Chairman, Cricket Timor-Leste“
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!
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.”
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.
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.
