About Us

The Story of Cam Kerala Cricket Club

Born from passion, grown through dedication—a journey spanning over 17 years of cricket excellence in Cambridge.

Roots in Friendship, Culture, and Community

The story of Cam Kerala Cricket Club begins not on a cricket field, but around dinner tables and in community halls, where a small group of Malayalee families from Kerala—"God's Own Country"—created a home away from home in Cambridge during the mid-2000s. Though separated from their homeland by thousands of miles, they carried with them the traditions, values, and warmth that define Keralite culture.

Around 2006, these families began gathering to celebrate Cambridge Onam, the harvest festival that holds deep cultural significance. What started as modest cultural celebrations evolved into something more profound: a tight-knit community bound by shared meals, music, dance, laughter, and the comfort of companionship. During one such gathering, the name "Cam Kerala" emerged organically—a simple yet meaningful fusion of Cambridge and Kerala that perfectly encapsulated their identity and belonging.

The Birth of Cam Kerala Cricket (2009)

Cricket, the heartbeat of Indian sporting culture, had always been a common thread among the group. Nostalgic conversations about school matches, college rivalries, and impromptu street cricket in Kerala were frequent. In 2009, those conversations transformed into action.

The name Cam Kerala—derived from Cambridge and Kerala, a southern state in India commonly known as God's Own Country—became the banner under which Sunday friendlies were organized. What began as casual matches played purely for enjoyment soon took on a more formal structure, and Cam Kerala Cricket was born.

The club's journey officially commenced in the summer of 2009 with a landmark moment: the first competitive match against the University of Cambridge Physics Department team, Cavendish, at Milton Ground. That inaugural season concluded memorably with an end-of-season celebration at the Rice Boat Restaurant, establishing a tradition that would blend sporting achievement with community spirit for years to come.

Cam Kerala's First Team (2009): Vijai Anand (Captain), Vinod Aravindakshan, Abid Athankutty, Saji Eapen, Girish Menon, Krishnan Menon, Sandeep Mohanraj, Anil Paul, Thomas Pulimood, Raj Praseedom, Samson Pynadath, Rajesh Radhakrishnan, K. J. Thomas

Building the Foundation (2009–2014)

The early years were dedicated to growth through friendly matches, fostering teamwork and deepening friendships both on and off the field. In 2012, Cam Kerala Cricket reached a pivotal milestone by registering with the Cambridgeshire Cricket Association League, marking the club's entry into competitive league cricket. That same year demonstrated the club's expanding ambition with the organization of its first all-UK T20 tournament—a statement of intent that showcased both organizational capability and sporting aspiration.

The dedication paid dividends in 2014 when Cam Kerala Cricket celebrated its first league title, a proud moment that validated years of commitment and hard work.

Early Leadership: The Architects of Our Legacy

The club's foundation was built on strong leadership and unwavering commitment from its founding members:

• Captain: Vijai Anand
• Chairman: Vinod Lalithambika
• Secretary: Raaj Praseedom

Core Management & Senior Members: Thomas Kalarikad, Girish Menon, Saji Eapen, Samson Pynadath, Sandeep Mohanraj, Thomas Pulimood, Krishnan Menon, Rajesh Radhakrishnan, and Anil Pallan

These founding members embedded values that continue to define the club today: respect, inclusivity, competitive spirit, and above all, the joy of the game. Their vision established Cam Kerala Cricket Club not merely as a sports team, but as a community institution.

Growth and Evolution: Captains Through the Years

Single-Team Era (2012–2016)

As the club found its footing in competitive cricket, leadership rotated among dedicated captains:

• 2012–2013: Vijai Anand
• 2014–2015: Vincent Kurian
• 2016: Prince Jacob

Two-Team Era (2017–2019)

Growing membership and enthusiasm led to the formation of a second team:

• 2017: 1st XI – Austin Antony | 2nd XI – Prince Jacob
• 2018: 1st XI – Austin Antony | 2nd XI – Saiju Joseph (early season), Hari Thaivalappil
• 2019: 1st XI – Shinto Paul | 2nd XI – Hari Thaivalappil

Three-Team Era (2020–2024)

The club's continued expansion required a third team, demonstrating remarkable growth:

• 2020: 1st XI – Prakash Arumugam | 2nd XI – Shinto Paul | 3rd XI – Saheer Babu
• 2021–2022: 1st XI – Hari Thaivalappil | 2nd XI – Shinto Paul | 3rd XI – Saheer Babu
• 2023–2024: 1st XI – Adarsh M B | 2nd XI – Geo John | 3rd XI – Jyothish Soman (with Gouthem Thyagarajan & Prince Jacob in 2024)

Four-Team Era (2025–Present)

Today, Cam Kerala Cricket Club proudly fields four teams across multiple divisions:

• 2025: 1st XI – Adarsh M B | 2nd XI – Noby Jacob | 3rd XI – Gouthem Thyagarajan | 4th XI – Saji Antony

More Than Just Cricket

From a handful of friends gathering for Sunday matches to a thriving club with four competitive teams, Cam Kerala Cricket Club has remained true to its founding principles. We are more than a cricket club—we are a community that celebrates heritage, fosters friendship, and provides a sporting home for players of all abilities.

Our journey from that first match at Milton Ground in 2009 to our current standing in the Cambridgeshire cricket landscape is a testament to the passion, dedication, and unity of everyone who has worn our colors. As we look to the future, we remain committed to the values that brought us together: the love of cricket, the strength of community, and the enduring spirit of Kerala—God's Own Country—right here in Cambridge.

This is our story. Welcome to Cam Kerala Cricket Club.