Buckingham Knights: A Remarkable Journey of Preserverance, Unity, and Growth
The University of Buckingham Cricket Club has experienced an unforgettable year, filled with hard work, resilience, and moments of brilliance. As we reflect on our journey from indoor training sessions to competing in local leagues, it’s clear that we’ve come a long way, both as individual players and as a team.
Winter Preparations: Building the Foundation
Our journey began with weekly indoor training at the Royal Latin School, where we laid the groundwork for the upcoming outdoor season. These sessions were vital in sharpening our core skills—batting, bowling, and fielding—under controlled conditions. This was more than just
practice; it was an opportunity to bond as a team and learn one another's strengths and playing styles. The arrival of the 2024 medicine intake brought a wave of talented cricketers to the University, and we were fortunate enough to scout them for our club. Their passion and drive reinvigorated the entire squad, and suddenly, the team had a new level of energy and competitiveness.
The Outdoor Season and Milton Keynes Premier League Entry
As the winter turned to spring and summer approached, we were eager to test our skills on the field. A golden opportunity presented itself when we secured a spot in the Milton Keynes Premier League (MKPL), stepping in as a replacement for a team that couldn’t compete this year. It is a competitive league, with matches played every Sunday in the T20 format. Each team played one another once, and those who performed well in the group stages would qualify
for the play-offs. This was our first major league together, and we couldn’t have been more excited. Our preparation was boosted by our vice-captain Araash, who secured a sponsor and provided the team with beautiful new jerseys for the competition. It was a proud moment for all of us, donning the uniform that represented our hard work and the University of Buckingham on the local cricket stage.
A Rocky Start, Then a Winning Streak
Our season opener was a tightly-fought match against MK Air CC. Although we ended up losing in that game, the narrow defeat acted as a wake-up call. Something switched within the team that day, and we collectively vowed to never let a game slip out of our grasp so easily again. That determination sparked a remarkable turnaround. The Buckingham Knights went on to win the next four matches in a row, a streak that propelled us to the top of the table by the end of the group stage. These victories were the result of teamwork, dedication, and individual brilliance. We saw standout all-round performances from players like Araash, Santosh, Aizaz, Hudair, Ishan, and Lux, throughout the tournament. Moreover, every player on the squad made significant contributions to the team’s success. This was our first time playing together as a cohesive unit. We weren’t just winning games; we were finding our identity as a team, and it felt like we were unstoppable.
Play-Off Heartbreak and Valuable Lessons
As league leaders, we entered the play-offs with high hopes, but sport can be unpredictable. On the day of our semi-final, we came up against a strong MK Stallions CC team, and despite giving it our all, we were eliminated. The Stallions went on to win the league, proving themselves to be worthy opponents. Although the loss stung, it wasn’t in vain. We took away many lessons from that day—about handling pressure, making quick decisions in the heat of competition, and staying mentally resilient. Most importantly, the loss brought us closer as a team. We emerged from the defeat with a renewed sense of determination, committed to improving and returning stronger next season.
Individual Accolades and Team Success
Though we didn’t win the league, we made our mark in other significant ways. Several of our players received awards for their outstanding performances throughout the season. Santosh Shailendra was crowned the Bowler of the Tournament, setting new standards for excellence with his consistent and deadly bowling spells. No wonder he was elected as the new president of the club—his leadership was evident both on and off the field, inspiring the team
throughout the season. Araash Raheja was an undeniable standout performer. He won both the Batsman of the Tournament and the prestigious Player of the Series awards. Araash’s dominant batting and bowling displays lit up the league and earned him recognition far beyond our team. In fact, his contributions were so impactful that he was awarded Sports Personality of the Year at the BSU Sports and Societies Awards 2024. His achievements are a source of immense pride for the
entire club. As the season came to an end, we also received incredible news: our captain, Aizaz Khan, won the “Game Changer” award for Buckinghamshire at the Cricket Collective Awards for his invaluable contributions to the founding and development of our club. He has also been nominated as Buckinghamshire’s representative for the National Award, a tremendous honour for both him and the team.
Competing in the Simbah Cup
Fresh off the highs of the MKPL, we entered the Simbah Cup 2024, a tournament that presented an even greater challenge. The level of competition was fierce, and our squad was tested in every aspect of the game. Despite the tougher conditions and stronger opposition, we stood tall and fought hard, gaining valuable experience from each match.
This tournament pushed us to our limits and helped us refine our game even further. Our players once again delivered impressive performances, showing that we can hold our own against some of the best teams in the region.
A Special Friendly and Community Engagement
We ended the season with a memorable 40-over friendly match against the Buckingham Town Cricket Club. This longer-format game was a new test for us, but we rose to the occasion, securing our first win in this format. The match was a fantastic way to end the season, and it was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local community. It was a day filled with camaraderie, competition, and mutual respect between our club and Buckingham Town’s cricketers.
Socials and Building Team Spirit
Off the field, we prioritised team bonding and community building through various social events. We hosted match screenings, group dinners, and other socials, creating a sense of unity that went beyond the cricket field. These events helped solidify the friendships and mutual trust that we carry onto the field with us every match.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Looking forward, our future is brighter than ever. The newly elected executive committee is working tirelessly to elevate the club to even greater heights. Plans are already in motion to compete in more leagues, organise matches with other universities, and host bigger, more inclusive social events. As we continue to grow as a team, our focus remains on fostering a welcoming environment for both seasoned cricketers and newcomers. We want the UOBCC to be a place where everyone can contribute, learn, and enjoy the great game of cricket.