Ayush Verma - 2025 Overseas Player MBCC

It’s been a blast!

As the club bids a fond farewell to Ayush Verma, overseas player for 2025, known as ‘Yoshi’ to most; here’s a few words from him about his time at Menai Bridge Cricket Club.

“The best ever social club!” - Yoshi’s response when asked to describe the club in just five words.

“I’ve made lots of great friends here and the change of pace to a slower, more relaxed way of life has been a blessing.” 

Born in Canada, raised and studied in India, Yoshi’s life is usually manic. Coming to North Wales has given him time to enjoy more relaxed days (when he’s not coaching cricket), and provided lots of opportunity to walk, go to the gym and chat to people. Yoshi’s shift in the club on a Sunday has meant he’s got to know lots of people in the local community and really chat to people on a personable level.

“Sunday is God's day and my time behind the bar in the amazing new clubhouse. I get into lots of conversations with the locals, the club legends, cricket fans and MBCC supporters. I’ve got to know so many people, got to hear their funny stories and philosophy on life. As a result when I’m out running or walking I often hear cars honking to say hello. It makes me smile. Sometimes there’s a queue at the bar because I talk to every customer for 10 mins!”

On and off the field

Both on and off the field, Yoshi has enjoyed being in North Wales. He’s happy with his cricketing season, and despite arriving with an injured shoulder and not bowling the first half of the season, he’s racked up some great playing stats.

Yoshi’s highlights

• 30th August 2025 - Player of the Match v Conwy CC. Scored 111 runs not out before the match was abandoned due to heavy rain. 

• 2nd August 2025 - Gained a special mention against Northop CC for scoring 44 runs (Northop won 281/9 and MBCC all out 167).

• Player of the Match T20 v Bethesda CC. Bowled out 2 for 26 runs and scored 32 runs. 

• 14th June 2025 - Player of the Match v Denbigh CC. Scored 54 runs.

• 31st May 2025 - Player of the Match v Conwy CC. Scored 101 runs.

“Some of my best cricket this year has been in the T20 matches.” Yoshi says all match wins are an achievement. He’s pleased the First XI team finished second in the T20 league, only losing out to Bethesda CC."

According to Play Cricket (as at 9th September 2025, so prior to the last game of the season), Yoshi has scored 807 runs in 24 matches, with a high score of 111. He’s thumped five half centuries, two centuries, 88 fours and 22 sixes, scoring almost 20% of the teams total runs. He’s also racked up 8 catches including a few one handed stunners.

“If you saw my one handed catch whilst running backwards in the outfield at the President v Chairman's match, that was one of my best!"

When asked if he’s enjoyed his time at MBCC he says “yes!” enthusiastically. “The boys have been great and I’ve enjoyed coaching the ladies team; a first for me.”

“We’ve had a few great social trips this summer. One to Manchester, to Dublin and I organised a trip to Liverpool. Liverpool is a great city with a real hippy vibe. I can say I’ve been to the famous Cavern now and Liverpudlians are so friendly and easy to get on with. My last trip will be to Bratislava and Vienna, where I’ve arranged to meet my mates from University.”

What’s next for Yoshi?

“Well I’m off back home shortly and can’t wait to see everyone. We have a new born in the family so I’ll be celebrating with them. I’d also love to discover South America. Not on a cricket trip, more to disappear and go off grid for a while. It’s been on my mind for a while. I plan to start in Colombia and finish in Argentina. It’s an itch I need to scratch. It’s a really underdeveloped region, which appeals to me to explore.” 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for making this season one to remember. North Wales is a beautiful place and the people are pretty special. Diolch yn fawr!

Footnote:

North Wales Cricket League

Menai Bridge CC is currently fifth in the North Wales Cricket League (NWCL) Premier Division 2025, having played 17 matches and won 9. In 2024 MBCC finished 7th in the league, in 2023 they finished 4th and were 1st in the NWCL T20 league in 2023. The best year recently was in 2022 when MBCC finished 1st.