Arcadians Cricket Ghent

Wishing our Arcadian family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

May 2026 bring good health, success, new opportunities, and continued growth for cricket across the country. We wish everyone joy, prosperity, and the very best for the year ahead.

Best regards,

Rakesh KAPILA
Chairman

Dear Arcadians and friends,

Today’s AGM was a wonderful moment to reflect on our achievements and look forward to an even brighter future. First and foremost, I would like to congratulate our team for an outstanding season. You have been true champions in your division, and your well-deserved promotion to the next division is a testament to your hard work, commitment, and unity. On behalf of the entire club—and personally from my side—well done. You have made us all extremely proud, and we wish you continued success in the coming year.

A special congratulations to our captain, Samsoor, and vice-captain Chandra, for leading the team with such dedication and excellence. This season - as club we had the opportunity to play 100% of the matches, and I witnessed firsthand the remarkable performance of the team, winning nearly 90% of our games. There were many learnings, and we are especially happy to see young players joining and performing so well.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the development of our junior team. Reyhan, the son of one of our team members, will be an integral part of this initiative, and the junior section will grow under the capable leadership of Rahim, who will guide and manage the youth team structure. We are also working hard to launch our Women’s Section, aiming to have it fully functional by 2026.

The AGM itself was a delightful gathering in Ghent, where we enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared with warmth, love, and hospitality—making the evening even more memorable and special.

Once again, thank you to each and every one of you for your support, enthusiasm, and positivity. As discussed in today’s meeting, let us continue to move forward with a positive mindset, focusing on our strengths, uplifting our teammates, and staying united as one Arcadian family.

With sincere good wishes,
Rakesh Kapila
Chairman, Arcadians Cricket Club

🎉 Division 5 Champions Arcadians Cricket Club ! 🏏🇧🇪

Arcadians CC have soared to the top this season, claiming the Division 5 championship with flair and determination. This victory reflects the hard work, strategy, and heart of the entire squad.

A special salute to Chairman Rakesh Kapila — your guidance and leadership have been pivotal in shaping this winning team. Here’s to celebrating this milestone and many more to come! 🏆🔥

Well played Arcadians 👍🇧🇪🏏 throughout the season 2025.

Arcadians Reunion Cricket Day – A Celebration of Cricket, Friendship & Family

This weekend 17/08/2025, Arcadians Cricket Club proudly hosted our much-awaited Reunion Day, where our present team welcomed back the Ex-Arcadians—our old players who continue to be an inseparable part of our journey.

The idea was planned a couple of months ago, and the excitement had been building ever since. Finally, the day arrived, and true to their passion, our ex-Arcadians reached the ground even before us, setting the tone for what was to become a truly memorable occasion.

The Match

It was a beautiful sunny day, around 25°C, perfect for cricket. The ex-Arcadians won the toss and put us in to bat. What was meant to be a friendly encounter soon turned into a game of full enthusiasm and professionalism. Our present Arcadians batted superbly, posting an impressive 227 runs in 25 overs, with standout contributions from our captain Samsoor, Chandra, Jahanzeb, Imran, and several others who played with great spirit.

After the innings, we all came together for a much-anticipated tea break, which turned out to be nothing short of a grand feast. Our players and families outdid themselves with a spread of curries, rice, coconut specialties, breads, and much more. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed—special mentions to Wasantha, Colin, Martin, Nigel, Samsoor, Ananth and all who brought food, drinks, and refreshments. With around 40–50 people present, including children and families, the ground transformed into a lively community picnic, filled with laughter, sharing, and togetherness.

The Ex-Arcadians Fight Back

Post-lunch, the ex-Arcadians came out to chase. Led by some powerful strokes from Captain Master blaster Colin - 52 not out , they put up a competitive total of 177 runs, keeping the game alive till the end. Though they fell short, the match was played in the best of spirits—competitive yet friendly, full of energy, and with mutual respect on display throughout.

More Than Just Cricket

What made the day truly special was not only the cricket but also the sense of family and belonging it created. Seeing children playing, families mingling, old friends reconnecting after decades, and new bonds being formed reminded us that Arcadians Cricket Club is not just about cricket—it is about people, relationships, and community.

For me personally, it was heartwarming to meet friends I have known for over 20 years. This was not just a match—it was a festival of cricket, friendship, and togetherness.

The Way Forward – The “Wassi Trophy”

I am delighted to announce that from next year, we will take this tradition forward by launching a new annual tournament—the Wassi Trophy. This tournament, organized by Arcadians Cricket Club, will be open to clubs across Belgium, with the Arcadians team taking on the challenge of defending the trophy. More details and the format will be shared very soon.

A Note of Thanks

On behalf of Arcadians Cricket Club, I want to thank every single player, family member, and supporter who made this event a success. Your contributions—whether on the field, in the kitchen, or simply by being present—turned the day into a beautiful celebration.

We promise to keep this tradition alive, making it bigger and better each year. Till then, stay safe, stay healthy, and keep your spirits high—because Arcadians cricket is not just a game, it’s a family.

Best regards,

Rakesh Kapila 👍🇧🇪🏏
Chairman, Arcadians Cricket Club

Arcadians 2025 — New Kit, New Mindset, Same Passion.

Wishing my team, the Arcadians, all the very best for the 2025 season. With fresh energy, a sharp new look, and an unwavering spirit, I hope this year brings great performances, team unity, and above all — fair and fearless cricket.

May you continue to play with heart, uphold the values of the game, and keep the Arcadians’ flag flying high — just as you have always done.

Proud to see you all geared up and ready.
Go Arcadians.

Best wishes,

Rakesh Kapila
Chairman – Arcadian Cricket Club

Exciting Restart at Arcadians – Women’s Team Training Begins

At Arcadians, we are committed to a fresh and inclusive restart, and today marks an important milestone — the very first training session for our women’s team. It was truly inspiring to see the enthusiasm and energy on the field.

If all goes well over the next couple of months, we are confident that we’ll have a fully established women’s team ready to compete and grow.

We would also like to take this opportunity to encourage and request other clubs to actively promote the formation of both junior and women’s teams. This step is vital for the growth and sustainability of cricket in our community, and together, we can build a stronger, more diverse future for the sport.

Let’s lead the way — one step at a time.

Best regards,

Rakesh kapila
Chairman Arcadians Cricket Club.

Congratulations on Your New Cricket Ground at Hofstade 1981 Zemst.

Dear 12 Stars Team,

Heartiest congratulations to you and the entire team for putting a remarkable new cricket ground on the map of Belgium. It was an absolute honor to be part of this historic occasion, and I am truly grateful for the invitation.

The ground is not only beautifully designed and well-planned but also reflects the dedication and passion of everyone involved. More than just the facilities, what stood out was the immense pride and joy radiating from all the members of the 12 Stars family. Seeing the team and supporters beaming with excitement was truly inspiring.

This achievement is a significant milestone, not just for your club but for the entire cricketing community in Belgium. It serves as a shining example for emerging and growing clubs, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, having a dedicated cricket facility is an achievable dream. While the journey to such an accomplishment is long and requires immense effort, the rewards are undoubtedly worth it.

Once again, congratulations to the entire 12 Stars team for your incredible hard work and commitment. Your efforts have resulted in something truly exceptional, and we all eagerly look forward to witnessing some fantastic cricket at your ground in the future.

For those who haven’t yet visited, here is the location of the new ground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X4bGH9QER4fQuyvP6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Wishing you all the very best for this new chapter.

Best regards,

Rakesh Kapila
Chairman Cricket Vlaanderen
Chairman Arcadian Cricket Club Ghent

Arcadians Cricket Club goes international with Trent Bridge Cricket Team partnership

Arcadians Cricket Club Ghent, based in Belgium’s vibrant third-largest city have extended their global presence by forging an exciting partnership with Trent Bridge Cricket Team - UK.

The Arcadians were founded in September 2004, when cricket enthusiasts in Ghent gathered to organise a tournament. With 36 players enthusiastically taking part, the club quickly came to life. Since 2005, the Arcadians have been hosting friendly matches across the region, with their home games played on a dedicated artificial wicket in the heart of the city.

Tom Paterson, Founder and Chairman of Trent Bridge Cricket Team, is delighted with the collaboration and said: “We’ve been eager to connect with clubs around the cricketing landscape ever since our tour to Mallorca in 2008. Partnering with the Arcadians is a fantastic opportunity, and we’re thrilled about the potential for the teams to come together in the future.”

While Trent Bridge Cricket Ground’s cricketing legacy dates back to 1838, Ghent’s cricketing history is no less fascinating. Historical records reveal that the sport was first played in the city in 1893, with archives noting the registration of a cricket club by Ghent’s ‘English colony.’

Trent Bridge Cricket Team played their first match in 1996and has regularly toured across the UK, visiting Norfolk, Chester, Worcester, Leeds and Manchester among other cities, as well as heading overseas in 2008 to Mallorca. They are set to embark on their first season of Saturday league cricket in 2025, joining the South Nottinghamshire Cricket League.

Arcadians Chairman Rakesh Kapila shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, and added: “This is an exciting milestone for us. We’re delighted to link up with Trent Bridge, a club with such an incredible history, and we look forward to fostering a strong connection between our teams.

“This twinning promises not just thrilling cricketing encounters but also a shared cultural exchange that will strengthen the bonds between two cricketing communities. With centuries of cricketing tradition on both sides, this partnership is set to make its own mark on the game’s history.”


Any other clubs wishing to partner with Trent Bridge Cricket Team or find out more should contact Tom Paterson by email [email protected] or call 07775 628283. And for Arcadians cricket club Ghent vzw Rakesh kapila by mail [email protected] or call + 32 475 944099 👍🇧🇪🇬🇧🏏

Pleased to share our club indoor training schedule 👍🏏🇧🇪