I feel like it’s only right to make an article dedicated to this guy because the club is what it is today largely because of his work behind the scenes. Ankit Shah joined the club as a young kid at the age of 6 and for next 33 years continued to wear the Kenton badge on his chest. As he moves over to the UAE with his wonderful family, we hope he keeps the badge in his heart.

Etched in the club’s history as an integral part of the U17 and then U19 squad that won the Middlesex Federation Cup in 2002 and 2003 he was someone that had talent on the cricket field and showed that all the way up until his final game. He played for all 4 Saturday XI’s after coming up through the ranks as a junior. His final couple of years were spent in the 3s and mainly the 4s but whenever Dippy needed someone to turn the game in our favour, Ankit was his man. According to play-cricket, since the website’s existence, 3 of his top 5 bowling figures came in the 4s in the last 2 seasons! He’ll claim play-cricket hasn’t accounted for his previous heroics however. If he wasn’t contributing with the bat or the ball, he would be putting his body on the line in the field, taking the occasional screamer, but also being one of the first to encourage the team when the mood was down and heap praise onto teammates when we were well on top of the opposition. One off-spinning allrounder leaves the club but I guess this opens up a spot now for his younger brother Bishan to become that off-spinning allrounder? After Owen hit him for 18 off 3 balls on club day perhaps not, but his argument will be Owen is a freak and to be fair, he’s not wrong. Another thing about matchdays that will be missed is having his sons Yuvraj and Kabir down at games. They’d usually bring a football with them which was enough to keep me entertained while the lads knocked off the runs (or tried to anyway). If they weren’t kicking a football on the sidelines they’d be talking rubbish about how good Arsenal are which, as we all know, is not true. If only they listened to their uncle Bish and supported the right club. Ankit’s presence on the field will definitely be missed by all that played alongside him, and especially by Dippy as he has to find someone else to bowl 20-odd overs for him in a timed game now.

Ankit became chairman of the club in 2014 up until 2025 and saw the club through a lot. He took on the role when the club wasn’t in the best of places but he was determined to bring the club back to its best and restore the glory. During Ankit’s tenure, we saw the development of our new nets facilities which allowed our seniors to practice their skills and get better (it was very much needed and still is). In addition, it allowed us to develop our juniors and we made the U19s semi-final and went to finals day in 2022 as well as reaching the quarter finals of the MDL in 2023. Youngsters like Qudratullah Khiyal and Hem Shah are now integral members of our 1s squad too. Memberships also increased year on year which shows people wanted to play for us. We also had our 100th anniversary day in 2021 which was a really amazing day for all that attended. In terms of promotions for our Saturday XI’s. There were quite a few. The 1’s went back to back in 2022 and 2023 going from Division 3 to Division 1 under the captaincy of Kalpesh Kerai which was monumental for the club. The 2’s went from Division 3 to Division 2 in 2017 and have been consistent performers in Division 2 ever since. The 3s went from Division 2 to Division 1 in 2022 under Samit Patel’s captaincy and have been playing some good cricket in that division, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Prem in 2025. The 4s went back to back as well between 2023-2025 as they jumped from Division 5A to 4A to Division 3 under Hiren Patel’s captaincy. The promotions were a testament to his work as chairman as our performances on the pitch really improved. Ankit also always ensured that win lose or draw the bar was always bouncing on a Saturday evening and everyone was in good spirit. As a family man, a family-like culture and jolly atmosphere at the club is something that Anks ensured we always had and you amazing people continue to make sure that this is the best family to be a part of and the most enjoyable place to play club cricket. We have built a good reputation from opposition and umpires for our hospitality and for how we are as a club and Ankit is at the heart of that.

I’m going to sign off by simply saying a massive thank you Ankit for your services from every past and present club member. Kenton is and will always be your home and we all can’t wait to have you, Kangna and the kids back at the Alan Digby Ground to visit! Best of luck in the UAE!

Ankit had a few words for you all:

“Kenton has been home to me since the age of 6. From playing my first game at the age of 8 to captaining a few 1st XI games and ultimately being the Chair for almost 12 years - I've literally grown up there and it's been a constant in my life for over 33 years. The club has gone through it's ups and downs and a part of me can rest easy knowing it's in a better place now and the current Chair and Committee will take the club forward. The club is special and that's because of the people. The decision to move abroad was not easy and i'll miss the place immensely but i'll always be watching and cheering the club on and will hopefully try and turn out for a few games over the summer.”

And Ankit, a few of your friends had some words they’d like to say:

Samit:

“Ankit has been a main stay of Kenton cricket club for as long as I can remember. Having undertaken every possible role available to ensure the club was always moving forward and creating a welcoming environment for all. The biggest change in recent times at the club was under Ankit's leadership as chair and with it membership not only grew quickly but remained strong. It has been a pleasure to have shared both the field and bar facilities with Ankit for 20+ years, seeing him go from a very good all rounder to now a semi-retired cricketer, but more importantly a loving husband and father. During my period as skipper, he was always someone who you could rely on to know what was required and always looked to lead by example. Whether it was to get caught at gully with the game in the balance or to use his knowledge of spin bowling to ensure the ball was lost with the opposition looking to be set for a massive score. He is the embodiment of Kenton Cricket Club. His presence will be missed but from myself and all those who have had the opportunity to spend so many hours with him and to be fair see some unbelievable grabs along the way, we can only wish Ankit, Kagna and the kids all the best in their next adventure.”

Schopun:

“Ankit will be sorely missed by us all. He’s been such a huge part of Kenton for as long as I can remember — as a player, captain and, more recently, a fantastic chairman. He really is a club man through and through, and his contribution to the club over the years has been immense.

On a personal level, I’ve been lucky enough to share the field with Ankit over the past 20 years, and even luckier to call him a friend and confidant off the field. There aren’t many people who have been such a constant presence both on and off the pitch, and I’ll certainly miss having him around.

I wish Ankit and his family nothing but happiness and success as they start this exciting new chapter abroad. I’m sure it won’t be too long before he’s back visiting home — and when he is, I’ll look forward to catching up over a few beers and reminiscing about old times!

All the very best, Ankit. You’ll be hugely missed by everyone at Kenton.”

Karsh:

“I was lucky to grow up learning my cricket with Anks, absolute top bloke! Both on and off the field, Ankit is a huge miss for Kenton CC. Whether it be as an off-spinner, batsman, his buzz in the field, a chat in the bar or a post game sesh, Anks always brought energy with what he did for us. His passion for cricket led him to chair the committee for many years, and during this time he remained an absolute asset to the club, steering us through the best and the toughest times… Well respected by the members, always approachable, and always a friend to us all (past and present). As a family man, Ankit and his family have all given so much time and effort to Kenton, and while we are going to miss a great friend and member, we wish him and his family the very best for the next chapter. Thank you for such a strong contribution. Look forward to the next pint when you’re back!”