In an exciting turn of events for cricket fans worldwide, all six teams participating in the 2024 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have officially finalised and announced their pre-draft squads. The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, a new addition to the league, have made headlines with their illustrious signings including the notable Pakistan trio of Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, and Fakhar Zaman.
To add substantial power to their squad, the Falcons have also acquired Brandon King and Fabian Allen from the now-defunct Jamaica Tallawahs. Additionally, their team is further strengthened by the inclusion of Azmatullah Omarzai and Chris Green as overseas recruits, along with local spinner Hayden Walsh.
Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), a champion team renowned for its aggregation of West Indies cricket legends, has also drawn significant attention with their strategic acquisitions. Jason Roy, continuing his collaboration with the Knight Riders family from IPL, MLC, and ILT20, is among the latest signings. Joining forces with him is Australian power-hitter Tim David, who has previously teamed up with Kieron Pollard for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. David has played for Saint Lucia Kings in prior CPL seasons.
The rest of the TKR squad reads like a cricket who’s who, arguably making them one of the strongest contenders for the upcoming tournament. Their lineup includes stalwarts like Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Sunil Narine, to name a few.
. Complementing this star-studded roster are emerging talents Waqar Salamkheil, Jayden Seales, and Josh Little, among others.
The Saint Lucia Kings are not to be left behind as they bolster their ranks with South African cricketers Heinrich Klaasen and Faf du Plessis. The duo, alongside existing team members, is expected to bring a competitive edge to their gameplay. Meanwhile, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have secured the services of two promising South African talents, Tristan Stubbs and Rilee Rossouw, which adds a significant depth to their batting lineup.
The 12th edition of the CPL is set to commence on August 30 in North Sound, Antigua, and promises to culminate in a grand finale on October 7 in Guyana. This season is especially noteworthy due to the entry of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, injecting fresh excitement and dynamics into the tournament.
Here are the pre-draft squads for all six teams:
**Trinbago Knight Riders:**
Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, Tim David, Jason Roy, Dwayne Bravo, Akeal Hosein, Waqar Salamkheil, Jayden Seales, Josh Little, Mark Deyal, Keacy Carty, Ali Khan, Terrence Hinds
**Antigua and Barbuda Falcons:**
Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, Chris Green, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shamar Springer, Mohammad Amir, Kelvin Pitman, Hayden Walsh, Jewel Andrew, Joshua James
**Guyana Amazon Warriors:**
Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shai Hope, Kevin Sinclair, Shamar Joseph, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Keemo Paul
**Saint Lucia Kings:**
Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, Johnson Charles, Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, David Wiese, Noor Ahmad, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shadrack Descarte, McKenny Clarke, Khary Pierre
**St Kitts and Nevis Patriots:**
Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Fletcher, Rilee Rossouw, Tristan Stubbs, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sikandar Raza, Joshua Da Silva, Odean Smith, Nuwan Thushara, Ashmead Nedd, Johann Layne, Dominic Drakes
**Barbados Royals:**
Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Maheesh Theekshana, Naveen ul Haq, Keshav Maharaj, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Obed McCoy, Ramon Simmonds, Rahkeem Cornwall, Alick Athanaze, Kevin Wickham, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke
Fans and analysts are already calling this season of the CPL one of the most exciting yet, given the array of international and local talent spread across the teams. With each franchise assembling a powerful squad, the battle for the title is bound to be fiercely contested. As the start date draws closer, the anticipation and excitement among the cricketing community continue to build, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable cricketing spectacle.
