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.
