DÍLI, Timor-Leste – November 15, 2025 – The Timor-Leste National Cricket Squad received a warm and significant welcome upon their return home yesterday, following their participation in the Bali Blast Rising East Tri Series in Indonesia. Waiting at Díli’s Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport was Emily O’Brien, the International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Finance & Operations Manager, underscoring the ICC’s commitment to the nation’s budding cricket program.
The team, which competed against hosts Indonesia and Myanmar, returned with valuable international experience. While the results in the tournament proved challenging for the young side, including several losses by large margins, the focus remains on the long-term development and exposure gained from competing at this level.
🤝 O’Brien Highlights ICC Support and Development Plans
Ms. O’Brien met personally with members of the squad, coaching staff, and representatives from the Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB). She commended the players for their dedication and courage in facing more established teams in the Tri-Series.
“The ICC is incredibly proud of the efforts of the Timor-Leste squad,” Ms. O’Brien stated. “Participation in tournaments like the Bali Blast is absolutely crucial. It’s about building a foundation, gaining match experience, and understanding the intensity of international competition. The scores don’t tell the full story; the development and resilience shown by these players are what truly matter.”
The ICC EAP official’s visit is part of a broader effort to assess the needs and support the growth of cricket in the country. Her discussions at the airport are understood to have centered on future ICC funding allocations, coach education programs, and securing more regional fixtures to accelerate the team’s progress.
📈 Looking Ahead to a Brighter Cricket Future
The TLCB has previously met with Olympic leaders, and Ms. O’Brien herself has been actively observing the local cricket scene, including visiting Díli schools, as the game works to cement its place in Timor-Leste’s sporting landscape.
The focus for the TLCB, supported by the ICC, will now shift to leveraging the Tri-Series experience. This includes implementing structured training regimes and identifying new opportunities for domestic growth and international competition, all aimed at nurturing Timor-Leste’s emerging cricketing talent. The National Squad’s performance, while tough, serves as a vital stepping stone toward a competitive future in the EAP region.
