James Shannon to Captain the Northern Knights for the 2016 season.

A meeting of members of the NCU Representative Directorate and Knights Selectors was held on Wednesday 13th January at which it was agreed following Andrew White's retirement from Interprovincial Cricket that James Shannon be appointed as Captain of the team for the 2016 season. In addition, discussion also took place around an initial Knights Training Squad for the 2016 season.

Whilst players who represented the team in 2015 will be contacted regarding their availability for the 2016 season, it was felt inappropriate to confirm a squad for this season until the input of the Head Coach was had and this will happen following the recruitment process currently ongoing through Cricket Ireland. After that process is concluded and a Head Coach appointed then the official squad and forthcoming training and practice sessions will be announced as soon as practical.

Chairman of the NCU Andy Clement commented "I look forward to the Knights having a successful season in 2016 under the leadership of James and there is an expectation that the Knights with the talent available to James and the Head Coach can be more than competitive across all 3 formats of the Interprovincial Series".

In addition, Clement took time to reflect on recent articles in the press and across social media regarding the selection policy of the Knights. Clement noted that comments attributed to Kyle McCallan (Knights Head Selector) in relation to how Knights selection operates and who may or may not be selected for the squad did not accurately reflect discussions that actually took place and that at all times Kyle and the remaining selectors pick any Knights team based on the agreed selection policy.

For information the policy agreed at the above meeting will allow players registered with NCU clubs for the 2016 season including a maximum of 2 non local players and any Irish Contracted Players to be considered for selection.