Hemp relinquishes Bermuda captaincy

David Hemp, the former Warwickshire and Glamorgan batsman, has stepped down as captain of Bermuda. Hemp, who will turn 42 in November, has indicated that he will continue to play for the Associate nation, which has begun the process of appointing a successor.

"It has been a privilege and an honour for me to have had the opportunity to captain the Bermuda national team and has without doubt been one of the highlights of my playing career," Hemp said. "I also would on a personal level like to say a special thank you to all the coaches and back room staff during my time in this role.

"As I have done from the outset, I am fully committed to providing Bermuda cricket support in whatever fashion particularly now as we have multiple global opportunities in tournaments in our immediate future. If I have a chance to assist in a mentoring role any player will receive my full assistance. I still have great passion to play for Bermuda and be part of a team, which currently has many young players, who can aspire to a return to the top level of Associate cricket in the near future."

Next year Bermuda, who were relegated to ICC World Cricket League Division Three in 2011, will begin efforts to qualify for the limited number of places for Associate Members in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2015 and the 2014 World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.

Bermuda Cricket Board president, Lloyd Fray, said: "This decision was made after extensive reviews and discussion involving the National Coach, the CEO and David himself ... The BCB is well aware of the importance of succession planning and it was unanimously agreed that the timing was right for David to allow the next generation of leaders to have an opportunity to captain the national side."

"David has been an outstanding leader and role model for the Bermuda senior and junior cricketers and he leaves big shoes to fill. His technical awareness and game-sense are second to none after being finely honed after nearly two decades of professional cricket in the English county system. David is the ultimate professional and his approach to the game, and the passion and commitment that he continues to display, is a perfect example for our young men."