Central Counties organisers are “exploring another option” to compensate for the absence of one of the competition’s most successful teams for this summer’s series.

They have been forced to tweak their plans as Western Stars will not be fielding a team this year, citing the lack of a coach and a shortage of players as key factors for taking what they hope will be just a yearlong break from the senior cricket scene.

“Obviously disappointing news but a decision that Central Counties respects reading what their statement said,” Derek Dechabert, the association president, told The Royal Gazette. “You don’t want to put out a brand that represents your club that is not going to be suitable and a true vision of what they as a club are trying to accomplish.

“Their longstanding history and pedigree of producing cricketers and playing good cricket makes this a respectable decision, and it’s going to different with them not being in it.”

Dechabert said the association is now considering inviting another Evening League team to fill the void in order to complete the two scheduled rounds for this year’s series, which is again being hosted by Devonshire Recreation Club, the cup holders.

“We are exploring another option because it was scheduled to be two rounds of Central Counties this year,” he said.

“We haven’t nailed down anything concrete as of yet. But maybe an Evening League can come on-board; perhaps Tuff Dogs coming back or another team.”

Stars only returned to the Central Counties scene last season after pulling out of the 2024 series as defending champions in protest of organisational issues which they felt were detrimental to the integrity of the tournament.

The Pembroke club came up short of glory after losing to champions Devonshire in the final round by 87 runs.

As well as the Central Counties, Stars had also been scheduled to compete in the Premier Division T20 and First Division 50 Over competitions this year.