Devraj Ray, 1st XI captain
After our promotion to Division 4B last year, it was encouraging to see how seamless the transition was to our new league. Our regular stars - opener Danny Potter and allrounders Sam Smith,and Marcus Cara - were more than ably supported by a tight-knit squad that came together in important moments, helping us to clinch the league title along with another promotion to Div 4A.

This year, I hope that we play to our potential and make the most of the hard work we've put in over the winter. We've been netting since January and it's showing now. If we continue that into the season, we'll be right in the mix. We're keen to bring another league title home.

Fortunately, there are no injury concerns. But we do all keep getting older and fatter. I'm also very glad to report that Village old boy Nir Shah has returned to the club, adding strength to both our bowling and batting, and Will Wyatt and Dave Overton are both back this year. That's a lot of added strength to a team that just won a league.

I think the group will lift its standards this year, as a unit. I imagine a few players might surprise us this year - I'm hoping with a bit of focus, I might do the same myself! Heads screwed on, it'll be a good year. Up the Village!
The 1st XI begin their 2026 league campaign against Letchworth Garden City CC 2nd XI at home on May 9 in Division 4A of the Herts Premier Cricket League (12pm)

Hamdard Jan Temori, 2nd XI captain
We had a fantastic season last year, finishing just two points short of becoming Division 7 East champions. It was a true team effort, with everyone fighting hard throughout.

Our middle-order batter Sardar Mushtaq Ahmed led from the front with over 500 runs, 12 wickets and stepped in as wicketkeeper in the absence of Dinesh Johnson. Momin Sadozai, our only centurion, also made a huge impact with his all-round performances. Alam Khan was our leading wicket-taker with 29 wickets, while Neeraj Negi contributed consistently with both bat and ball. Sumit Kumar supported the team both on and off the pitch, especially with scoring and organisation. Special thanks to Dinesh Johnson, and ex-captains James and Shiban Sayed for their guidance.

Looking ahead, I’m very enthusiastic and hopeful for the new season. With Shiban returning from injury and Momin fully available, we expect a stronger, more balanced side and are confident of pushing for the title.
The 2nd XI play Hertford CC 3rd XI away on Saturday, May 9 in the HPCL's Division 6B (12pm)

Ken Shakoor, 3rd XI captain
In 2025, I was captain of the 4th XI, which had a very solid season last year, finishing 2nd in Division 12 East and earning promotion. We secured 11 wins from 16 — not bad for a side that still occasionally forgets who’s got the teas. Amir Sultan led the way with 497 runs, Speenghar Ahmadzai picked up 20 wickets, and Mirza Bashir conjured up a ridiculous 6-25 in one match.

For 2026, and now as captain of the also-promoted 3rd XI, my aim is simple — don’t go up just to come straight back down. We want to compete properly in Division 11 and show we belong there. When we’re disciplined, we’re a very good side… it’s just about doing it more than once every few weeks.

There are no major injury concerns at the moment, which is a miracle in itself. We’ve got a few players coming back and decent competition for places, so no one can afford to coast this year.

Amir and Speenghar will no doubt keep delivering despite going up a level, but I’m looking at a few others, such as our vice captain Usman Humayun and bowlers like Rohail Mughal, to step up and take some responsibility — fewer excuses, more performances. If that happens, we’ll surprise a few teams (and maybe even ourselves).
The 3rd XI play Cheshunt Rosedale 3rd XI away on Saturday May 9 in the HPCL's Division 10 East (1pm)

Pryank Patel, 4th XI team manager
It was great to see all five Village teams finish in the top two of their respective divisions – every team earned it with their consistent performances over the course of the season.

Batsman Majid Asif, all-rounder Alex Subramaniam and bowler Amir Uriakhel rightly picked up the awards for their performances last season in the 3rd XI, which I captained, but everybody that turned out played their part.

My hope is that it the same philosophy and commitment continues as I take responsibility for the 4th XI in 2026: That we play good cricket, and we enjoy what we do – if that happens, we are more likely to succeed. Injury might rule me out of playing anytime soon - Dave Flavell and Phil Smith will likely step up to captain - but what I do want to do is to make sure our team develops the young players at the club by providing as much game time as possible. A healthy balanced mix of youth and experience will make cricket matches enjoyable when Saturday comes.
The 4th XI play Welwyn Garden City 4th XI at home on Saturday, May 9 in the HPCL's Division 11 East (1pm)

Matt Barrett, 5th XI captain
New team, new players, new opportunity for the Village. With the thriving community and exciting Juniors coming through, this is the chance for us to show we're the club to beat.

A few players of note to watch: Arthur Hickey, who scored 450 runs for the under-13s last year; his teammate Joseph Fletcher, who was the most consistent bowler and batter last season; and the Sulemans father-and-son combo.

I cannot wait for the season to begin; with new players joining and showing they can play, I have no nervous bone in my body. My hopes are for a near-flawless season, a Junior or two make their first adult 50, and for the team to take home more silverware for the club and, most importantly, to have a bunch of fun along the way.

From looking at them in nets, our bowlers, including newbie Mohammad Soleja, look like they will bamboozle batters with their pace and variations.

Fortunately, there are no injuries to speak of; I'm personally hoping for better luck this season and staying away from anything that involves potential breakage of bones!

I feel that Arthur will score a load of runs and take a few wickets on the way; his dad, David, will score his first Village ton, Saif and Sharjeel Suleman will accumulate over 250 runs, Hammad Akber will get over 15 wickets and one of our new signings will get more than three 5-fers.

Ambitious, yes; realistic, yes. We will not surrender.
The 5th XI play Datchworth CC 4th XI away on Saturday, May 9 in the HPCL's Division 14 East.

Bhushan Chhabra, Sunday XI team secretary
Mill Hill Village Sunday XI delivered an outstanding 2025 season, winning 13 of 16 matches played (81% win rate), with just 3 losses and 1 no result. The team’s success was built on consistent batting depth and the ability to control games with the ball, often taking charge during key middle overs and converting strong positions into convincing wins. The batting unit regularly produced partnerships, while the bowling attack maintained discipline to restrict opposition scoring and break momentum at crucial stages.

Our captain H Ikram was the standout performer of the season - the division’s top scorer with nearly 500 runs. His ability to influence games in key moments made him central to the team’s success and one of the most reliable performers throughout the campaign. A fitting finish to the season came in the final match, where Khuram Shahzad’s swashbuckling 90 in challenging conditions proved to be the cherry on the cake, underlining the team’s strong batting depth.

At the same time, Shashank Shekhar, Asim Mian and Sharad Razdan have shown excellent progression. I’m expecting these players to be among those who continue to challenge themselves and step up with strong performances in important matches.

Following last year’s promotion to Division 4, the team now heads into a more competitive league with confidence. With the depth of our squad and form from last year, the team is looking confidently towards the season ahead.
The Sunday 1st XI play Gangeshwar CC Sunday 2nd XI at home on Sunday, May 10 in Division 4 of the Middlesex Premier Cricket League (1pm)

Burtonhole Lane 80th anniversary fixture vs Sutton CC