After the disappointing end to the 2024 season the Sharks have left nothing to chance for 2025, with regular training sessions throughout the offseason led by the club’s training coordinator Nick. We held regular sessions at Akai Farm from December onwards and were lucky to have a number of new joiners for the 2025 season in attendance; based on the performances at training, we should be in for a better season across all divisions!

At the AGM on February 16th the club agreed changes to the club officers with Hiroshige taking the Manager role from Takady, who moved to Treasurer. Ben took over the Chiba Development Officer and Social Media Officer roles and the Umpire Coordinator role was abolished. Stepping down from officer roles in 2025 were Chris, Tetsu, Anton and Ash. On the Management Committee Dave stepped away for 2025, being replaced by Will.  

Shortly following the AGM the Captains for the 2025 squads were announced. Dhugal will continue to lead the 1st XI and KB the 3rd XI, however Rui will now lead the 2nd XI and Abhi the Japan Cup, JCL T10 and JCL T20 squads. 

The Sharks would like to thank the Officers and Captains who stepped down in 2025 for their commitment and contribution in 2024.

During February and March some members of the Sharks and JCA worked together to rebuild the cricket nets at SICG, which are an important facility for the Japan National side. At what first seemed like quite a simple job turned into a backbreaking few weeks of work as removing the old artificial turf and chipping away the old glue was surprisingly tough. However perseverance, elbow grease (Ben and Will), and words of encouragement (Dhugal) saw the job completed just in time for the JPL Trials in mid March. Clubs participating at SICG can use the nets for warmup and practice so the Sharks will be benefiting directly from the refurbishment soon.

A big change for this year’s pre-season training routine was a full day on-pitch training session held at Sano Riverside Ground 1A in early March. Nick led the Sharks in various fielding, bowling and batting drills, including center wicket practice that allowed the members to create a more realistic in-game situation. At the end of this training the Sharks were joined by Vik’s puppy, Rey. After excitedly greeting / running around / running after the players and taking part in the team photo, Rey was welcomed as the clubs first (unofficial) canine mascot ….we had better remember to keep her away from the Shark…..

The pre-season ended on March 23rd with our now customary friendly games against the Tokyo Wombats. Unlike last year when the weather was cold and bitter, this year the day was perfect for cricket with bright sunshine and balmy, warm weather. As with last year the Sharks won one game (Ben smashing 77 from 25 balls and Nikhil 43 from 25 as the Sharks chased down 137 in 8 overs) and lost one (no comment). Next weekend the season kicks off proper with the Sharks opening Japan Cup match against Men in Blue. Will 2025 bring success to the Sharks, or will lady luck favour another team again? Keep watching to find out….