Cork County Ready for Premier League Return in 2025

CORK COUNTY
Captain: Diarmuid Carey
In: Bakhtyar Nabi, Darshit Shetty, Zubair Hassan Khan
Out: N/A
Overseas Player: Mark Andrianatos

Cork County make a long-awaited return to the top tier of Leinster club cricket in 2025, marking their first Premier League campaign since 2017. Under the leadership of new club captain Diarmuid Carey, the Leesiders are looking to prove they belong among the country’s elite club competition.

“It’s fantastic to be back in the Premier League for the first time in eight years,” Carey said. “Securing a top-five finish in the IBI Corporate Finance Championship was one of the highlights of our 150th anniversary season. This year, the goal is clear which is to consolidate our position at this level.”

To help achieve that, County have made several key additions to their squad. Seamers Zubair Hassan Khan and Darshit Shetty bring added firepower with the new ball, while spinner Bakhtyar Nabi, who impressed with North Kildare last season, boosts the club’s spin stocks.

“These additions give us depth and balance, which is crucial for a 16-game campaign,” Carey added. “We also have a strong core that’s been together for a number of seasons including players like Benji Marris, Thorne Prophet, Syed Aiman, and Nabeel Anjum all bring experience and quality.”

A number of squad members have been training with Munster Heat during the off-season, and Carey is hopeful that this extra preparation will help the team hit the ground running when the season kicks off on April 26th.

Returning to Leeside is overseas player Mark Andrianatos, who brings proven List A quality and infectious energy. He’ll also take on the role of Head Coach, overseeing cricket operations from youth development to senior cricket.

“We’re really excited to have Mark back — not just for what he brings on the field, but also for the impact he’ll have on our coaching structures. We’re hopeful he can help develop some of the club’s emerging talent,” Carey said.

With a busy calendar ahead, including Leinster Premier League action, Munster competitions, and Inter-Provincial Series matches, the Mardyke is once again primed to be a hub of cricket activity this summer. Thanks to the tireless work of groundsman Matt Reed, the venue is in top-class condition and ready for a big season.