Oxford 2025
Oxford, the world-renowned university city nestled along the River Thames, has been a center of learning since the 12th century. Its spires, cobbled streets, and ancient colleges have witnessed centuries of scholars, thinkers, and history in the making. Yet, for a few summer days, it became the playground for the Phoenix army — more known for raising glasses than raising academic standards.
The Phoenix boys found their new watering hole with no one lost en route from London — a small victory in itself. Three days of roaming Oxfordshire, where sightseeing took a firm back seat to pint glasses and laughs, with cricket the last thing on our minds — at least until the first ball was bowled. We set up camp in Oxford, but the cricket took us to Oxford Cricket Club, Swimbook Cricket Club, and Eynsham Cricket Club from the 7th to the 9th of June.
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Oxford, famed for its university — the oldest in the English-speaking world — has shaped generations of leaders, poets, scientists, and philosophers. Beyond the dreaming spires, the city boasts centuries-old pubs, river punting, and now, a few Phoenix-shaped memories.
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Swimbook, a charming Oxfordshire village tucked among rolling countryside, grew from its medieval roots into a peaceful community, home to thatched cottages, cricketing tradition, and locals now well-acquainted with Phoenix antics.
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Eynsham, steeped in history dating back to Saxon times, flourished as a market town along the old coaching routes. Its cricket green and friendly locals provided the perfect setting for leather on willow—and perhaps another pint or two.
The tour may have started with questionable navigation, but ended with stories, laughs, and cricket memories only the Phoenix can create.
Phoenix's Tour Highlights
Batting Leader – Rajkaran Aulakh, showing the youngsters how it’s done with a composed 55 anchoring the Eynsham innings, plus consistent knocks across the tour.
Strike Rate Stars – Muhammad Chohan, Vishal-Karna Kumar, and Ginni Singh— scoring quick, looking slick, especially Ginni with an explosive 30 off 16 balls on debut.
Bowling Impact – Rajkaran Aulakh, again leading from the front with a game-changing spell of 7-1-25-3 at Eynsham to pull Phoenix back from the brink.
Fielding Moments – Khizar Hayat and Jaykishan Prasad holding their nerve under high balls, while Chandi provided fireworks with a crucial run-out.
Debut Energy – Jayesh Bhalerao ran himself into the ground after years away from cricket, showing true Phoenix spirit, and Ginni Singh delivered with bat and ball.
Phoenix's Tour Pictures: https://phoenixcricketclub.secure-club.com/gallery/galleryid_21936/2025Tour.aspx
Phoenix on tour are a team full of laughter and comedy. To quote Mark Twain (AmericanHumorist, Writer and Lecturer. 1835-1910), " Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place."
So another tour came & passed and yet again Phoenix showed their true colours and infected everyone involved with laughter, spirit and the sense of being a family.