USA cricket star Aaron Jones, fresh off an exceptional T20 World Cup 2024, has earned himself a contract with the St Lucia Kings, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. The batter qualified as a local player thanks to his Barbados passport and will feature prominently for the 2021 runners-up in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 season. Jones’ powerful performances on a global stage have not only put him on the radar but have secured his place in one of the most competitive cricket leagues around.
In other major news from the CPL 2024 draft, West Indies opener and all-rounder Kyle Mayers has been snapped up by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. With a proven track record and invaluable experience, Mayers is expected to be a game-changing addition to the Patriots. Joining him on the roster are Mikyle Louis, Ryan John, and the seasoned Veerasammy Permaul.
Confirmation of all six CPL teams’ squads has now come in, following a busy period of retentions and pre-season signings. Teams aimed to lock down key players, and the draft further supplemented their rosters with fresh talent. Here’s a closer look at how the squads now stand.
### Detailed Squad Analysis:
#### **Barbados Royals**
The Barbados Royals have built a formidable squad. Leading the line are Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, the explosive David Miller, and Quinton de Kock. The South African opening batsman adds significant depth to the batting line-up. The bowling department boasts names like Maheesh Theekshana and Naveen-ul-Haq, ensuring a well-rounded attack. Other inclusions are Obed McCoy, Kevin Wickham, and the Under-19 World Cup speedster Isai Thorne. The squad’s blend of youth and experience makes it a strong contender.
#### **Guyana Amazon Warriors**
Guyana Amazon Warriors have taken a strategic approach in their selections. Veterans like Imran Tahir and Shimron Hetmyer provide leadership and firepower, while the inclusion of young talent such as Saim Ayub and Shai Hope promises future gains. Key all-rounders like Romario Shepherd and Azam Khan, alongside wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, create a versatile lineup adept in adapting to varying match situations. The squad is further bolstered by Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, and Matthew Nandu.
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#### **Antigua and Barbuda Falcons**
The replacement for Jamaica Tallawahs, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, have managed to rope in impressive talent. Headlining the squad are Imad Wasim and Brandon King, both bringing in extensive T20 experience. Fabien Allen and Azmatullah Omarzai add depth in the all-rounder section, while Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir promises pace and skill. The batting department is strengthened by Fakhar Zaman and Roshon Primus, along with notable picks like Justin Greaves and Jahmar Hamilton.
#### **St Kitts and Nevis Patriots**
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have amassed a strong lineup. Kyle Mayers, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Rilee Rossouw head a list of impactful players. The presence of Indian Premier League (IPL) stalwart Evin Lewis, and hard-hitting Sherfane Rutherford, also adds an aggressive edge. The versatile Sikandar Raza and the pace duo of Nuwan Thushara and Dominic Drakes are among the key recruits. With experienced spinners like Veerasammy Permaul, the squad promises balance across departments.
#### **St Lucia Kings**
St Lucia Kings have an impressive lineup headlined by South African powerhouse Faf du Plessis and Heinrich Klaasen. They also secured a promising addition in Aaron Jones, whose recent exploits have captured global attention. Other notable inclusions are Alzarri Joseph and Johnson Charles, providing both experience and skill. Young talents like Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, and Akeem Auguste also add depth, making the Kings a formidable outfit.
#### **Trinbago Knight Riders**
The Trinbago Knight Riders have retained a solid core, featuring cricketing giants like Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine. Nicholas Pooran adds both firepower and stability, while Tim David, Akeal Hosein, and Jason Roy enhance the roster’s competitive edge. The team has also brought in emerging players like Nathan Edward and Shaquere Parris, ensuring a blend of experience and youth poised to take on the challenges ahead.
### Full Squads Post CPL 2024 Draft:
**Barbados Royals**: Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Maheesh Theekshana, Alick Athanaze, Naveen-ul-Haq, Obed McCoy, Kevin Wickham, Keshav Maharaj, Kadeem Alleyne, Rahkeem Cornwall, Isai Thorne, Nathan Sealy, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke, Ramon Simmonds
**Guyana Amazon Warriors**: Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Saim Ayub, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, Azam Khan, Gudakesh Motie, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Kevin Sinclair, Raymon Reifer, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Shamar Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu, Junior Sinclair
**Antigua and Barbuda Falcons**: Imad Wasim, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, Fakhar Zaman, Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Hayden Walsh, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop, Kofi James, Shamar Springer, Kelvin Pitman, Jewel Andrew, Joshua James
**St Kitts and Nevis Patriots**: Kyle Mayers, Wanindu Hasaranga, Rilee Rossouw, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Sikandar Raza, Nuwan Thushara, Andre Fletcher, Tristan Stubbs, Dominic Drakes, Mikyle Louis, Odean Smith, Joshua da Silva, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan John, Ashmead Nedd, Johann Layne
**St Lucia Kings**: Heinrich Klaasen, Faf du Plessis, Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Noor Ahmad, David Wiese, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Matthew Forde, Aaron Jones, Khary Pierre, Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Shadrack Descarte, Mikkel Govia, McKenny Clarke, Akeem Auguste
**Trinbago Knight Riders**: Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Tim David, Akeal Hosein, Jason Roy, Dwayne Bravo, Josh Little, Waqar Salamkheil, Jayden Seales, Ali Khan, Mark Deyal, Keacy Carty, Terrence Hinds, Nathan Edward, Shaquere Parris
With the CPL 2024 draft now complete, the teams are gearing up for what promises to be a season filled with thrilling cricket, intense rivalries, and standout performances. Fans across the globe wait in anticipation to see how these squads perform on the big stage.
