PHC will not participate in this year’s Central Counties after pulling out of the competition to avoid expulsion from the Western Counties.

The club had initially taken up an invitation to rejoin the Central Counties and were scheduled to play in the final round of the competition on June 28.

However, their decision was strongly rejected by the Western Counties, which issued them with an ultimatum at a recent general meeting to play only in its competition or not be included.

The Royal Gazette has reached out to the Western Counties and PHC for comment.

PHC had been looking forward to playing in both competitions this year.

“Our participation in both the Central and Western County competitions underscores our commitment to the growth and development of cricket, and we look forward to contributing as a dedicated community partner in the sport,” the club said in a statement.

It also recently emerged that Southampton Rangers are contemplating withdrawing from the competition after being denied what they feel is their right to host it this year in accordance with the Western Counties Cricket Association constitution.

It is understood that Western Counties officials confirmed that the 2025 series would be played at White Hill Field, at the recent general meeting.

Meanwhile, a Central Counties spokesman has confirmed that PHC have withdrawn from its competition as a result of the ultimatum.

The spokesman also confirmed that the opening round fixture between holders Devonshire Rec and Commercial side North Village that was postponed on May 31 in response to a mandate prohibiting players involved in the Bermuda Smash Invitational from participating has been rescheduled.

That match will now take place on June 21 with the winners to face Western Stars in the final round on June 28. Both matches will be held at Devonshire Rec.

Stars are returning to the competition having opted not to defend their title last year owing to organisational issues which they believed were detrimental to the integrity of the tournament.

However, the club have since had a change of heart and are looking forward to challenging for honours.

“Everybody wanted to get back into it,” former Stars spinner Hasan Durham, who serves as the club’s cricket director, said.

“Stars have played a big part in Central Counties and we definitely wanted to get back in just so we can start to participate again.”