A lack of cricket can drive a person to do the most desperate of things – like start a team and build your own hi-tech indoor cricket net on top of your factory in Chiba. This is exactly what founder, patron and first club captain, Mr. Hasib Rehman, did in 2003, thus establishing the ‘Ichihara Cricket Club’. The inaugural season saw us finish with an unspectacular record of 0-3, but as they say, “from little things, big things grow”.
Over the years the club has grown and evolved, becoming the ‘Ichihara Sharks’ in 2005, and, from season 2009, the ‘Chiba Sharks Cricket Club’. The club now has three elevens competing in the Japan Cricket League, which we have won three times, plus a team in the Japan Cup (T20 format). We have members from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds, all united by a love of Cricket and our policy of having fun (and hopefully winning too).
Alas, we no longer have our wonderful indoor net facilities in Goi, but we organize trainings instead at a superb outdoor facility, Akai Farm Cricket Nets, in Kamatori, just outside Chiba. Like our namesake, the shark, the Chiba Sharks Cricket Club only moves forward.
The Chiba Sharks Cricket Club mainly play in two competitions, the Japan Cricket League (JCL), a 40-over league as well as matched in other formats, and the Japan Cup, a T20 league. Our season runs roughly between early April and the end of September, with finals through the following months.
The Japan Cricket League has 4 divisions with around 10 teams in Divisions 1 – 3 and 6 teams in Division 4, which is a new Division from 2024. Our 1st XI play in Division 1, our 2nd XI play in Division 2 and our 3rd XI in Division 4. For the Japan Cup, 8 regional associations across Japan hold qualifying leagues (the larger regional associations having multiple Divisions within their league), with the winners from each league competing against one another in a national Finals. The Chiba Sharks competes in East Kanto Division 1.
Most of our matches are played at the Sano River Grounds, Sano International Cricket Ground (Tochigi) and Sammu Cricket Ground (Chiba). We also play a match or two at the distant but iconic Fuji Cricket Ground (Shizuoka) and Yokohama Country and Athletic Club. Learn more : Locations we play
Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions below to see if the Club is right for you. If you think it is then the next step is to contact us at chibasharksinfo@gmail.com, following which we can arrange for you to attend a club activity (training or match).
What kind of club is it? The Chiba Sharks Cricket Club is a purely amateur club. All of the organization of the team is done on a voluntary basis. No one is paid and we cannot help with visas. We are highly organized though, to conform with the standards set by the Japan Cricket Association.
Who can join? Anyone who is a Japanese national or has a valid visa to stay in Japan. We welcome players of both sexes, all abilities and all nationalities. Most players speak English, Japanese or both. We help first timers learn how to play but also offer a challenging environment for more capable, experienced players. At the end of the season, our top players are recognized at the Awards Ceremony.
How old do you have to be? Generally we prefer players to be at least 16 before they play full outdoor games. There’s no upper age limit (although one or two players are pushing it!). For players too young for the Sharks there are numerous youth teams in the Kanto region and a flourishing Junior League – contact the Japan Cricket Association to be put in touch with these teams.
How much does it cost? For first year players, a year’s full adult membership costs just￥5,000. Thereafter, full membership is ￥10,000 per year. However, the Club has diversified membership options for youth and occasional players. For full fees and conditions please our Membership Regulations.
How is the Club actually run? The club is run by the players through an elected Management Committee and group of Club Officers. All of the organization of the team is done on a voluntary basis. The club expects its members to abide by certain codes of conduct while representing the Chiba Sharks. These codes and other matters such as officers’ responsibilities can be found in our Club Constitution.
How are the teams selected? We have an elected Board of Selectors who pick the teams prior to each match. Decisions are based on the ability of the players available and making sure that everyone gets a decent chance to play at a level that is right for them. More details can be found in our Sharks Selection Policy
Do you have training sessions? We organize practices on Saturday or Sunday afternoons at an excellently equipped outdoor facility called “Akai Farm” near Kamatori in Chiba. Each session is normally 3 hours and there is no charge for Sharks players. Akai Farm Practice dates are announced on the Team App site and email. For training sessions, you should wear sports kit and outdoor trainers.
What kit do I need? We have a high quality coloured team kit (uniform) that each member is expected to buy for the subsidized price of ￥2000. Shirts are available in short sleeve or long sleeve (or both). Your club cap is included in your membership.
Please Email us at chibasharksinfo@gmail.com for more info on how to join or for any other queries.
