TIMOR-LESTE SPORTS DESK — Excitement is building in the sporting community as official online registrations open for the highly anticipated Timor-Leste Super League 2026. Organized under the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB), this flagship tournament will be played in the thrilling T20 format and marks a major milestone for local and international sporting talent.
📰 Official Announcement: Registrations Now Live
The organizing committee has extended an open invitation to both male and female players across all skill levels to step up and participate. Designed to elevate cricket development and showcase regional talent, the T20 tournament serves as a key platform for emerging athletes.
Participants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly before the registration window closes.
🔑 Key Details & Schedule
Tournament Format: T20 Format
Tournament Start Date: September 26, 2026
Registration Deadline: August 31, 2026
Eligible Participants: Male & Female Players
🔗 How to Register
To submit your application or view full tournament requirements, complete your entry on the official registration page below:
LIQUIÇÁ, TIMOR-LESTE — In a major breakthrough for the development of sports infrastructure in Southeast Asia, the Chairman of Timor-Leste Cricket recently conducted a crucial site inspection at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Liquiçá to evaluate the ongoing construction scenario.
Progress on the state-of-the-art high-performance training facility has reached a pivotal 50% completion milestone. Officials confirmed that the Kobe House accommodation is fully finished and ready for immediate use, while the construction of essential on-site toilet facilities is moving at a rapid pace, with completion locked in for this coming Sunday.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the academy’s future operations, a dedicated borewell drilling team is currently working on-site, prioritizing the location of a reliable underground water source.
Liquica Cricket Academy Construction Work is being observed by the Chairman Cricket Timor-Leste.
The remaining infrastructure works are projected to take between 20 to 25 working days, depending on local weather conditions. Timor-Leste Cricket is aggressively targeting September 2026 for the official commencement of operational activities. Once fully operational, the NCA will serve as the premier hub for nurturing young talent, providing coach and umpire education, and hosting both domestic and international training camps.
Partner With Us: A Blueprint for Donors
As Timor-Leste Cricket approaches the final stretch of this historic build, international donors, corporate sponsors, and cricket enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Contributions at this critical stage will directly fund the finalization of essential training infrastructure, high-performance equipment, and grassroots youth development programs. By investing in the NCA, donors are not just building facilities—they are empowering the next generation of athletes and anchoring the long-term growth of cricket across the nation.
To explore partnership opportunities or make a direct contribution to this landmark project, please contact the Timor-Leste Cricket Board Officials today to discuss how you can help bring this vision to life.
Call to Action: Stay updated on the final phases of this historic sports build! Share this report with your network, and if you or your organization are ready to support the future of cricket in Southeast Asia, reach out to the Timor-Leste Cricket Board Officials today to find out how you can contribute to the NCA project.
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — In a major milestone for the growth of local sports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially recognized the development of women’s cricket in Timor-Leste. A special video spotlight highlighting the country’s recent celebrations for “ICC Women’s Cricket Week” has been uploaded to the official global ICC website.
The feature, published during the ongoing 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup global celebrations, showcases how the sport is taking root across diverse communities. The video captures the immense passion, energy, and talent of young Timorese girls and women discovering the game through the ICC’s grassroots criiio program.
This global spotlight stands as a testament to the hard work of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB), which has been pushing to make cricket accessible to every citizen. From its humble roots of children playing with handmade cardboard bats to structured tournaments like the Women’s Empowerment Cricket League (WECL), the progress has caught the eye of cricket’s highest governing body.
“Seeing our players recognized on the official ICC platform is an incredibly proud moment for TLCB and the entire nation,” a board representative shared. “It proves that despite our current infrastructure challenges, the unbreakable spirit of our athletes is shining through on the world stage.”
The recognition comes at a perfect time as TLCB continues its mission to establish the country’s first international-standard National Cricket Academy in Liquiçá. For fans and supporters eager to see the visual journey of how cricket is transforming lives across our districts, the full feature is available to watch under the global spotlight on the ICC website.
LIQUIÇÁ, TIMOR-LESTE — Construction on the historic National Cricket Academy grounds in Liquiçá has been processing steadily over the past few months. Now, the project has reached a critical turning point.
Faced with a severe water shortage that threatened to stall the development of the pitch and facility, the Chairman of Cricket Timor-Leste has stepped up to personally launch and fund a new water bore facility on the academy grounds.
Overcoming Roadblocks to Progress
While structural building work has moved forward over the last few months, a major hurdle remained: a reliable water supply. Fresh water is absolutely essential not only to sustain construction and complete the buildings, but also to grow and maintain the turf grass needed for a professional playing pitch.
In an effort to keep the academy timeline on track, the Chairman took the personal initiative to dig and build the water bore facility. Strikingly, the Chairman is driving this vital project entirely by himself, taking on the logistical and financial responsibility without any prominent support from Timor-Leste government officials.
Built for the Future of Youth Sports
The National Cricket Academy in Liquiçá is being built to serve as the crown jewel of grassroots sports development in the country. Once complete, it will house hundreds of young boys and girls coming from the districts for high-level athletic training.
“We simply cannot afford to wait or let our momentum slow down,” a representative close to the construction site noted. “The Chairman saw that without water, the academy’s growth would stop. By establishing this bore system independently, he is ensuring that our kids will have a world-class field to play on, regardless of institutional delays.”
How You Can Help: A Appeal to Our Global Cricket Family
While the Chairman’s personal leadership has successfully broken ground on the water bore system, building an international-standard sports facility from scratch requires a collective community effort.
The Timor-Leste Cricket Board is an ambitious, grassroots organization striving to change lives through sport. To help us complete the main academy building, purchase safety equipment, and maintain our brand-new water infrastructure, we need your help.
Support the Dream: If you are a fan of cricket, a believer in youth development, or a business looking to make a lasting social impact, please consider donating to our academy project. Every cent goes directly toward creating a safe, empowering home for young Timorese athletes.
To find out how to make a secure donation, sponsor a youth player, or view live progress photos of the construction, please visit tlcb.net/donate.
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — Today, Sunday, June 21, 2026, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) celebrated a major milestone for women’s sports. The board hosted the grand finale of a week-long cricket festival right here in the capital city of Dili.
This event was part of a global celebration. All around the world, cricket boards joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) to honor female athletes. The TLCB spent the entire week traveling to different towns and villages across Timor-Leste to introduce the game. Today, those efforts ended with a massive and joyful gathering in Dili.
A Historic Celebration of Women’s Cricket Week
The highlight of the day was the incredible turnout. A huge crowd of women and young girls completely filled the sports grounds in Dili. It was one of the largest gatherings of female athletes the country has ever seen.
From young primary school students to older teenagers, hundreds of passionate players came together. The atmosphere was filled with non-stop cheering, laughter, and a strong sense of community.
Fun and Active Cricket Training
To help everyone learn the sport, TLCB coaches and trainers turned the festival into a fun academy. The participants were divided into different groups depending on their experience:
The Batting Zone: Brand-new players learned how to hold the bat properly, stand correctly, and hit the ball.
The Bowling Station: Trainers taught the basic steps of overarm bowling, focusing on how to throw straight and hit the wickets.
Agility Drills: Fast and exciting catching games helped the girls improve their reflexes and teamwork.
After practicing these skills, the players formed teams and played short, high-energy matches against each other.
Building a Strong Future for Girls in Sport
By joining this global ICC event, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board is opening new doors for women and girls in sports. School teachers and community leaders attended the event to show their support, praising the board for giving young women a safe and encouraging place to stay healthy and active.
“We spent the whole week traveling to different spots, but seeing this massive crowd of girls playing cricket together in Dili today is amazing,” a senior TLCB official said at the closing ceremony. “Today proves that women’s cricket has a bright future in Timor-Leste. We will keep supporting these players by creating new school leagues and regular training programs.”
As this global week comes to a close, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board is proud of the momentum they have built and is ready to help the next generation of female cricket heroes grow.
BEBONUK, DILI — The fields of Eskola Centro Shallom Bebonuk were transformed into a sea of vibrant energy on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) proudly hosted the highly anticipated 3rd Edition of the Criiio Cup.
Building on the foundation laid by previous tournaments, this year’s landmark event proved to be a spectacular celebration of youth sports, community, and the unstoppable growth of cricket across the nation.
A Spectacular Turnout of Passionate Youth
From early morning, an overwhelming wave of enthusiastic boys and girls packed the venue, creating an electric atmosphere filled with non-stop cheering and laughter. The scale of participation was a breathtaking sight, with children from all backgrounds stepping onto the pitch to embrace the “Criiio” spirit.
Rather than focusing on numbers, the true story of the day was written in the sheer density of the crowd—a massive assembly of young Timorese athletes waiting eagerly for their turn at the crease, showcasing an unprecedented level of interest in the sport.
Schools Unite Across the District
The 3rd Edition achieved its massive scale thanks to an incredible cross-school collaboration. A wide network of different primary and secondary schools from across Dili and surrounding areas rallied together, sending large delegations of students to participate.
The camaraderie between the different school institutions was a major highlight, as rivalries were set aside in favor of shared learning, teamwork, and mutual respect under the guidance of TLCB coaches and facilitators.
Unleashing the Cricket Spirit
The festival kept the endless crowds of children constantly engaged with a variety of specialized mini-games, high-energy batting drills, and fast-paced matches. Because the “Criiio” format relies on accessible, user-friendly equipment, every child present—regardless of prior experience—got the opportunity to feel the thrill of hitting a ball or taking a wicket.
“Seeing this venue completely overflow with joyful children from so many different schools is a historic moment for us,” noted a senior TLCB coordinator at the close of the day. “The 3rd Edition of the Criiio Cup has shattered all expectations. It proves that cricket is no longer just being introduced to Timor-Leste—it is being passionately claimed by the next generation.”
As the sun set over Bebonuk, the echoing cheers of the massive crowd left no doubt that the annual Criiio Cup has solidified its place as one of the most beloved and impactful youth sporting events in the country.
To find out if your school participated and to view our extensive photo galleries of the day, visit the official home of Timorese cricket at tlcb.net.
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.
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.
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — The roar of excitement and the sound of willow hitting leather have returned to the capital as the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) kicks off the latest edition of the “Criiio Cup.”
Now established as a cornerstone of the national sporting calendar, the Criiio Cup is a grassroots cricket festival specifically designed to introduce the joy of the game to children across Timor-Leste. By utilizing the ICC’s “Criiio” format—which emphasizes flexibility and fun using any bat, any ball, and any playing surface—the TLCB is successfully breaking down barriers to entry for the next generation of “Crocodiles.”
A Legacy of Growth
The journey began in 2025, when the TLCB organized the inaugural event shortly after the country gained official status within the international cricket community. What started as a bold pilot program has now blossomed into an annual tradition that children across Dili and surrounding districts look forward to every year.
Event Highlights:
Youth Focus: The tournament is exclusively for children, focusing on participation, teamwork, and physical fitness.
Grassroots Development: The event serves as the primary scouting ground for the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Community Impact: Beyond the boundaries, the festival brings families together, fostering a vibrant new sports culture in a nation traditionally dominated by football.
A Word from the Board
Organizers at the Timor-Leste Cricket Board emphasized that the Criiio Cup is about more than just finding elite talent; it’s about providing a safe and energetic environment for children to learn the values of sportsmanship.
“Since that first successful event in 2025, our mission has been consistency,” a board spokesperson noted. “By hosting this cup every year, we ensure that cricket isn’t just a one-time curiosity, but a permanent part of Timorese childhood.”
As the matches continue throughout the week, the energy in Dili remains high. With the sun setting over the pitch and hundreds of children cheering on their peers, it is clear that the future of cricket in Timor-Leste is brighter than ever.
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – In a move set to electrify the nation’s burgeoning sports scene, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) has officially confirmed that the inaugural Men’s “Timor-Leste Super League” is on the horizon.
Following the country’s historic entry as an Associate Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2025, the TLCB is now shifting its focus toward high-performance domestic competition. This new “Super League” represents a major step forward for the “Crocodiles,” the national team, as they look to build on their recent international debut and climb the world rankings.
Key Details at a Glance:
Official League Name: Timor-Leste Super League.
Format: Men’s Elite Cricket.
Host Organization: Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) via their official platform at tlcb.net.
Status of Dates: Dates have not yet been finalized by the TLCB.
Official Update: Official scheduling and team rosters are expected to be announced very soon via the board’s official website.
This announcement comes on the heels of several major milestones for the federation, including the successful completion of Phase 1 of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and a growing roster of domestic tournaments like the Rising Timor Cricket League (RTCL).
Cricket fans across the country and the wider East Asia-Pacific region are encouraged to keep a close watch on tlcb.net for the latest breaking news regarding match fixtures and venue details.
