The UK's Leading Cricket Specialist
31 Bond Street, Ealing, London W5 5AS
Mon - Sat : 9am - 6pm
EST. 1973
When you step into VKS, you're not just walking into a cricket shop, you're entering a living chapter of London's cricketing history. For over 50 years, our family run cricket store has been at the heart of the city's cricket community, serving everyone from grassroots juniors to seasoned club cricketers and even international professionals. The VKS story is one of passion, dedication and a relentless commitment to providing the best cricket equipment, advice and service, year after year.
VKS was established in 1973, a time when the world of cricket retail was almost unrecognisable compared to today's bustling, online driven marketplace. Back then, the idea of a specialist cricket business was a rarity. Our founder Vinod Bedi was a young and budding 29 year old who called upon his origins in the sporting goods town of Jalandhar in India to import his first shipment of batting pads, gloves and cricket balls. His old school friend was from the Hans Raj Mahajan family, one of the biggest sports equipment manufacturers in India and so its seemed natural for him to supply the cricket equipment needed to start the VKS story. The journey began as a mail order business, advertising in the pages of The Cricketer and Wisden magazines. Each month, our adverts would catch the eye of cricket lovers across the UK, sparking a flurry of handwritten letters and cheques sent to our family address. The letters were polite, structured and typically began with the words "Dear Vee Kay Sports, I refer to your advert in the May Edition of the Cricketer Magazine and I would like to order?."
The process was a patient one. Customers would write to us, enclosing their order details and a cheque. Banks took five to seven days to clear cheques, and only then would we package up their cricket bats, pads, gloves, cricket balls or whites and send them by post. The wait was worth it, cricketers were happy to wait up to 28 days for their new gear, knowing that what they received would be chosen with care and expertise. Whilst Vinod, carried on with his vocation as a driving instructor during the day, his evenings and weekend were spent spreading the word about the cricket equipment he was importing. There was no internet, no fax machines and no mobiles. It was just sheer hard word, determination and the support of a loving wife that worked along side him in making a success of VKS from its early days onwards.
One of our earliest and proudest moments was fulfilling a club order from Englefield Green Cricket Club in 1973. That first order set the tone for the relationships we would build in the decades to come, based on trust, reliability and a shared love of the game. It's a source of immense pride for us that, even in 2025, we continue to receive orders from Englefield Green Cricket Club. This enduring connection is a testament to the lasting bonds that a true family run cricket store can create.
By 1978, the VKS name had become synonymous with quality and dependability among cricket enthusiasts. Demand was growing and the time felt right to open a cricket shop. The search for the right location took some time with so many locations and premises viewed. Finally, the perfect spot was located and thanks to support from our bank manger as well as close family, the dream was realised and our store in Bond Street, which is still our home today was opened. The response was overwhelming. Our store in Ealing quickly became a destination for players, parents, coaches and clubs from across the city and beyond.
For the first time, London cricketers could walk into a shop and see hundreds of bats on display from legendary brands like Duncan Fearnley, Stuart Surridge, Symonds, St Peter, Gray-Nicolls and Gunn & Moore. There was something magical about being able to pick up a bat, feel its balance and select the perfect piece of willow for the season ahead. Our shelves were lined with pads, gloves, helmets and all the other essentials a cricketer could need, but it was the atmosphere of genuine passion and expertise that set us apart.
The opening of our Ealing store marked a new era for cricket retail in London. We weren't just selling equipment, we were building a community, a place where experience, advice, and a shared love of cricket came together. From there we built some of the strongest ties that still stand strong to this day. With Stanley Lowey, the owner of Gunn and Moore whom we still look forward to meeting every year at the GM range launch, with John Gray, the owner of Gray-Nicolls whose sons and nephews are now running Gray-Nicolls with such brilliance and so many more.
From the very beginning, VKS set out a simple but powerful mission, to provide the best cricket equipment, the best advice and the kind of service you only get from people who genuinely love what they do. This mission has guided us for five decades and remains the cornerstone of everything we do, every day.
We believe that running a cricket store is not about how you look on social media or chasing the latest trends. It's about caring deeply about what you sell, striving to provide the very best service and advice every single day, and ensuring that the products you offer are worth every penny your customers spend. Our team's love for cricket is at the heart of our business and it shows in every interaction, every recommendation and every bat we knock in.
The relationships we've built over the years are what truly define the VKS history. From our very first club order to the countless teams, schools, and individuals we've served since, our story is intertwined with the cricketing journeys of thousands of customers around the world.
Our customer base is as diverse as the game itself. Grassroots juniors picking out their very first bat, club players gearing up for another season, recreational cricketers looking to improve their game and even international professionals seeking the perfect edge. We've always believed that every customer deserves the same level of care and expertise, regardless of their level or experience.
The trust we've earned is reflected in the loyalty of our customers. Many families have shopped with us for generations and we regularly see club captains who first visited as juniors now returning with their own children and even grandchildren. Our ties with local clubs are especially strong, with partnerships and recommendations forming the backbone of our community engagement.
One of the most significant and proud chapters in our story is our relationship with SS Ton, one of the world's most renowned cricket bat manufacturers. In the 1980s, VKS became the very first export customer for SS Ton when they were just starting out in the business. This pioneering partnership helped introduce the brand to the UK market and established a bond between our family and the Sareen family that endures to this day.
Our close ties with the Sareen family are a source of immense pride. We have watched SS Ton grow into a powerhouse when it comes to cricket equipment and we are honoured to have played a small part in their journey. This relationship is more than just business it's a family like relationship built on mutual respect, shared values and a deep love for cricket and excelling in what you do.
What truly sets VKS apart from other cricket shops is our commitment to expertise and service. Our team isn't just here to sell you a bat or a pair of pads, we're here to help you find the right equipment for your game, your budget, and your ambitions. We take the time to understand your needs, offer honest advice and ensure that every purchase is the right one.
Our in store services are designed to support cricketers at every level. We offer professional bat knocking in and repair, ensuring that your bat is match ready and built to last. Our team can advise on everything from the best grip to the right protective gear, drawing on decades of experience and a genuine passion for the sport.
We know that cricket is a game of details and we're dedicated to helping our customers get the most out of their equipment. Whether you're a junior just starting out or a seasoned pro, you can trust VKS to provide the guidance and support you need.
The world of cricket retail has changed dramatically since 1973. The rise of online shopping, new brands and ever evolving customer expectations have transformed the landscape. At VKS, we have always embraced change while staying true to our core values.
We were among the first cricket shops to launch an online store, making it easier for customers to browse our extensive range and order from anywhere in the UK or indeed, the world. We offer free UK delivery on orders over £100 and next day delivery options for those who need their gear in a hurry. Our website is packed with detailed product information, reviews and expert advice, ensuring that our customers can shop with confidence.
But even as we innovate, we never lose sight of what matters most: personal service, honest advice and a genuine commitment to quality. We believe that technology should enhance the customer experience, not replace the human touch that has defined VKS for five decades. Nothing will ever beat talking to a fellow cricket lover and getting their opinion or advice on a product. A website can tell you everything, but talking to someone tells you even more!
A true family run cricket store serves the whole cricketing community and that has always been our philosophy. Our shelves are stocked with equipment for every level, from entry level bats and junior gear to top of the line products used by professional players. We work closely with local schools and clubs, providing team kits, bulk orders and expert advice on everything from bat selection to protective gear.
Our expertise is trusted by players at every stage of their cricketing journey. We take pride in helping young cricketers find their first bat, advising club players on the latest innovations, and supporting professionals with the highest quality equipment. Our commitment to service extends beyond the sale, we're always here to answer questions, provide support and share our love of the game.
Over the years, VKS has earned a reputation as London's finest cricket shop. Our customers have rewarded us with hundreds of five star reviews and much of our business comes from word of mouth recommendations and long-standing partnerships with clubs and teams. We measure our success not just in sales, but in the loyalty and satisfaction of our customers.
We are proud of our Trustpilot ratings and the positive feedback we receive, but we know that true success is measured by the relationships we build. Our goal is to be more than just a retailer we want to be a trusted advisor, a community partner and a champion for cricket in London and beyond.
As we celebrate 50 years of serving London and the world's cricket community, we look to the future with optimism and excitement. Our mission remains unchanged, to provide the best cricket equipment, the best advice and the best service, every single day. We are committed to embracing new technologies, expanding our range, and continuing to support cricketers at every level.
We know that the world will continue to change, but our values, expertise, integrity and a genuine passion for cricket, will always guide us. Whether you're a first time visitor or a lifelong customer, we invite you to be part of the VKS story.
The VKS story is one of dedication, innovation and a deep love for the game of cricket. From our beginnings as a mail order business in 1973, through the opening of our Ealing store, to our enduring relationships with clubs, customers, and partners like SS Ton, we have always put our customers at the centre of everything we do.
Serving your customers properly is about caring about what you sell, striving to provide the best service and advice every day and ensuring the products you offer are worth every penny. That's the VKS way, and it's what has made us London's most trusted family run cricket store for over 50 years.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Here's to the next 50 years of cricket, community and excellence.
