Patriots' Woes Mount as Rutherford Withdraws from CPL

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots' struggles in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have been compounded by the withdrawal of Sherfane Rutherford for personal reasons. The 26-year-old all-rounder had played just four games for the Patriots, scoring 35 runs at a strike rate of 194.44.

Rutherford's absence has left a significant void in the Patriots' batting lineup, with Dominic Drakes, primarily a bowling all-rounder, batting at No. 7 against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. The Patriots are currently rooted to the bottom of the CPL 2024 points table with a solitary win in six matches.

Despite a four-wicket haul from Sri Lanka wristspinner Wanindu Hasaranga, the Patriots failed to defend 153 on a tacky surface against the Falcons. The loss extended their losing streak at Basseterre to 11 completed games since winning the CPL 2021 title at home.

"We disappointed them [the St Kitts and Nevis crowd]," said Patriots' captain Andre Fletcher. "It's hard and I would like to apologize as the leader as well, saying sorry for not giving them a win on home soil."

The Patriots' woes have been compounded by injuries to Kyle Mayers, who left the field with a suspected hamstring injury, and Rilee Rossouw, who returned to action after recovering from a calf injury. Prior to the start of the season, the Patriots had lost Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza to injury and were depleted by the unavailability of Hasaranga and Tabraiz Shamsi at different points.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Falcons opener Fakhar Zaman has left the CPL to participate in the Champions One-day Cup, Pakistan's newer version of the domestic 50-over competition. Fakhar's Falcons team-mates Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, however, have made themselves available for the domestic tournament and will instead continue to play in the CPL.

In Fakhar's absence, Brandon King made his debut for the Falcons and slotted in at the top after recovering from a side injury. King marked his return with 29 off 16 balls, which set up the Falcons' successful chase of 154.

Tags: #CPL2024, #StKittsandNevisPatriots, #SherfaneRutherford, #WaninduHasaranga, #KyleMayers