Ardmore all-rounder Harry Zimmermann has taken on the captaincy mantle at Ardmore following Rachit Gaur's decision to take a year out from the game.

The affable Zimmermann will have Dharm Singh as his vice-captain as the Bleachgreen side look to put a disappointing 2024 campaign behind them after a historic first Premiership title in 2023.

“I am extremely honoured and privileged to be named as club captain for the upcoming season," Zimmermann told CricketEurope.

"Ardmore have shown a lot of faith in me over the past three seasons and I look forward to the challenge of trying to lead the club back up the Premiership table. 

"There’s been a substantial amount of change at the club over the offseason. Obviously losing Rachit Gaur for the season is a major blow for us. He’s been an amazing player and leader during his time at the club and we can’t thank him enough for his contributions. We will also be without Ryan Brolly, Hayden Melly and Ciaran Roundtree this season. 

"On the bright side, Dhram Singh steps up to take on the vice-captaincy, Dave Bezzant has “unretired” and will be back playing for another season. We are hoping to have an overseas pro secured over the next couple of weeks and I’m looking to seeing some of our younger players, such as Bobby Brolly and Mujeeb Rahman, step up and play pivotal roles for us this season.

"To be frank, last season was a disaster. But that does mean we have a chance to refresh and reset, as we’re looking a tough and competitive style of cricket, while also building a strong culture within the club off the field.”

As well as their proposed professional - who is a top-order bat who bowls off-spin in South Africa - the club are also in negotiations with an Irish passport holding South African.

Hopefully those additions will strengthen the playing pool for the 2025 campaign.