Cricket

Barbados Royals Bolstered by Full-Strength Squad for Home Leg of CPL 2024Rovman Powell's Barbados Royals, one of two unbeaten teams in CPL 2024, will field a full-strength squad for their home leg, which commences on September 11 against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Bridgetown.The Royals have been bolstered by the return of South African duo David Miller and Keshav Maharaj, who were rested for South Africa's upcoming tour of the UAE. Miller, who captained Paarl Royals in the SA20, and Maharaj, who has represented Royals in the IPL, bring a wealth of franchise T20 experience to the side.Batter Alick Athanaze has also recovered from a finger injury that sidelined him for the Royals' game against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots last week. With Maharaj's return, Sri Lankan allrounder Dunith Wellalage, who was signed as a replacement player, has returned home.Shamarh Brooks, who was initially selected as a temporary replacement for Miller, will remain with the squad as cover."We've got David Miller and Kesh Maharaj, and we've got our full complement of five overseas players," said Royals head coach Trevor Penney. "It will definitely be a different team and will be a good headache to have with some of the youngsters that have come in and played really well as well."The Royals have secured contrasting wins in contrasting conditions so far in CPL 2024. They overhauled 146 with plenty to spare on a North Sound pitch that got better for batting, while they scrapped to victory with just one ball to spare on a used Basseterre surface.Despite some rain in the lead-up to their home leg, Royals captain Powell suggested that it has not affected their preparation. "The practice wickets were good and the guys told me that the wickets in the middle are good," Powell said.Powell hopes that the experience of their overseas players will serve them well. "A lot of the guys have been playing franchise cricket around the world," Powell said. "These training sessions are just top-ups - just to get some blood flowing, hit a few balls in the middle and as a bowling group see if we can correct a few errors that we have made in the past few games."Maharaj will slot into Wellalage's role and will work with mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who has the best economy rate among all bowlers who have bowled at least 24 balls this CPL. With the pitches expected to slow down further, Powell spoke about the impact the spinners could have on the tournament."Bowlers win tournaments and batters win games," Powell said. "I think we have a pretty good overseas spin department and that is very, very important. In the Caribbean, quality spinners sometimes become difficult to bat [against]."

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.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, plagued by injuries in the early stages of CPL 2024, have bolstered their squad with the acquisition of New Zealand's Josh Clarkson. The 27-year-old, renowned for his explosive batting and brisk bowling, has been awarded his first New Zealand central contract but is not yet in the Test scheme of things.Clarkson's addition to the Patriots is expected to fill the void left by Zimbabwean allrounder Sikandar Raza, who withdrew from the tournament due to injury. The Patriots have also added Mohammad Mohsin, a Pakistan-born USA wristspinner, to their roster.Patriots head coach Malolan Rangarajan expressed his disappointment over the injuries that have disrupted the team's balance. "We've had a few hiccups at the start of [the season], with Sherfane [Rutherford] missing out the first game and Rilee [Rossouw] getting injured in the first innings of our fielding," Rangarajan said.Despite the setbacks, the Patriots began the season with a thrilling last-ball win against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. However, they suffered back-to-back defeats at home against Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Kings, despite posting 200-plus totals in both innings. Their bowlers have come under fire for conceding heavy runs, while their fielding has also been criticized.Patriots captain Andre Fletcher has called for a stronger response from his team. "We've been working hard as a bowling unit, but it just boils down to execution," Fletcher said. "We haven't been executing as well as we ought to, but I'm confident."Fletcher emphasized the importance of team unity and blocking out external noise. "As a leader, I try to be not under pressure," Fletcher said. "I wouldn't doubt myself; I've done it before and it's just a matter of getting the guys together."The Patriots will look to turn their fortunes around in their upcoming matches, with Clarkson's arrival expected to provide a much-needed boost.

Heinrich Klaasen, the South African power-hitter, will miss the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) due to a family emergency. Klaasen, who was signed by St Lucia Kings in June, is a significant loss for the team.Klaasen's absence has prompted Kings to replace him with New Zealand's Tim Seifert, a top-order batter who has previously won the CPL title with Trinbago Knight Riders in 2020. Klaasen's departure is a blow to Kings, who finished third in the points table last season and reached the Eliminator.Other teams have also made personnel changes. Knight Riders have brought in USA's Andries Gous as a temporary replacement for Australia's Tim David, who will join the team after their first four matches. Barbados Royals have signed Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage and Shamarh Brooks to cover for David Miller and Keshav Maharaj, who will miss the first two matches due to the Cricket South Africa awards function.Sikandar Raza has also withdrawn from the CPL due to an injury. The Zimbabwe allrounder tweeted that he would miss the entire tournament. St Kitts and Nevis Patriots are yet to name a replacement.Klaasen's absence is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. Despite his impressive form in recent years, he has been forced to withdraw from the CPL due to circumstances beyond his control. Kings will hope that Seifert can fill the void left by Klaasen and help them challenge for the title.

Australian cricketer Jess Jonassen has become an internet sensation after imitating Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's iconic pose during a women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match. The incident occurred during the match between Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Royals at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on August 22, 2024.After dismissing Aaliyah Alleyne in the 15th over, Jonassen celebrated the wicket by striking the famous pose, which has been immortalized in Khan's films. A video of the moment quickly went viral on social media, garnering widespread attention.The match itself saw Barbados Royals Women emerge victorious by 7 wickets. Opting to bowl first, they restricted Trinbago Knight Riders to a modest total of 113 for 9 in 20 overs. The Royals then chased down the target in 17.1 overs.Meanwhile, in a significant development for Indian cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah is poised to become the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Sources have confirmed that Shah has the backing of cricket boards from England and Australia, giving him the necessary support to replace incumbent Greg Barclay in November.Shah's appointment would mark the third time an Indian has held the top position at the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar have all previously served as presidents or chairmen of the organization.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Overhaul Squad for CPL 2024, Replace Injured Hasaranga and ThusharaThe St Kitts & Nevis Patriots have been forced to make significant changes to their squad for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 season due to injuries to key players Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thushara.Hasaranga, a dynamic all-rounder, and Thushara, a pace-bowling specialist, sustained injuries during Sri Lanka's recent white-ball series against India. Hasaranga suffered a hamstring injury, while Thushara was ruled out with a finger injury.In response, the Patriots have signed South African duo Tabraiz Shamsi and Anrich Nortje as replacements. Shamsi, a left-arm wrist-spinner, is a familiar face in the CPL, having played 32 matches for the Patriots, including 27 in the 2023 season. He has taken 33 wickets in those matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.06.Nortje, a fast bowler, is yet to make his CPL debut but brings a wealth of international experience to the Patriots. He has represented South Africa in 25 Tests, 49 ODIs, and 29 T20Is, taking over 200 wickets across all formats.The Patriots will be hoping that Shamsi and Nortje can fill the void left by Hasaranga and Thushara. The team had a disappointing CPL 2023 campaign, finishing last with just one win in ten games.The updated Patriots squad for CPL 2024 includes:* Kyle Mayers* Tabraiz Shamsi* Rilee Rossouw* Evin Lewis* Sherfane Rutherford* Sikandar Raza* Anrich Nortje* Andre Fletcher* Tristan Stubbs* Dominic Drakes* Mikyle Louis* Odean Smith* Joshua da Silva* Veerasammy Permaul* Ryan John* Ashmead Nedd* Johann LayneWith the addition of Shamsi and Nortje, the Patriots will be hoping to improve their fortunes in CPL 2024 and challenge for the title.

Aaron Jones, the standout performer for USA at the T20 World Cup 2024, has secured a contract in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The Barbadian-born Jones, who qualifies as a local player, was snapped up by the St Lucia Kings in Monday's draft for the 2024 season, which runs from August 29 to October 4.Jones' impressive performances at the World Cup, including a match-winning 94 not out against Canada and a crucial 36 not out in USA's tie against Pakistan, caught the attention of CPL franchises. He has previously represented Barbados and Combined Campuses and Colleges in the West Indies regional setup and was an unused member of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots squad in CPL 2019.The six CPL 2024 franchises had already completed most of their recruitment through retentions and pre-signings. Kyle Mayers was the first player to be signed in Monday's draft, joining the Patriots. Mikyle Louis, who made his Test debut for West Indies at Lord's last week, will also play for Patriots, along with Ryan John and Veerasammy Permaul.Isai Thorne, the fast bowler who has represented West Indies at the last two Under-19 World Cups, has earned a contract with Barbados Royals. He is currently in the UK with West Indies' Test squad as a net bowler and "development player." Royals have also drafted Kadeem Alleyne and Nathan Sealy.Raymon Reifer, who played T20I cricket for West Indies as recently as last year, joined Guyana Amazon Warriors along with Ronaldo Alimohamed and Matthew Nandu. Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Mikkel Govia, and Akeem Auguste are part of the Kings' squad alongside Jones.Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, who will replace Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2024, have signed Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop, and Kofi James. Trinbago Knight Riders have brought in Nathan Edward and Shaquere Parris to fill their emerging player spots.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Bolster Squad with Gurbaz, Retain Core for CPL 2024The Guyana Amazon Warriors have made significant moves in preparation for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 season, signing Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and retaining key players from their championship-winning squad.Gurbaz, who previously played for the Warriors in 2022, returns to the franchise after a successful stint with the Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In six matches for the Warriors last season, he amassed 157 runs, including two half-centuries.The Warriors have also retained several overseas players who played pivotal roles in their maiden CPL title triumph last year. Pakistan batters Saim Ayub and Azam Khan, along with South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius, will continue to represent the franchise.Among the West Indies players retained are star batsman Shimron Hetmyer, wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope, all-rounder Romario Shepherd, and fast bowler Keemo Paul. These players have been instrumental in the Warriors' success over the years.In total, the Warriors have signed 14 players so far, leaving them with three more spots to fill at the draft in July. The franchise will be eager to add depth to their squad and find the right balance to defend their title.The Warriors' title defense will begin on August 30 against the new Antigua and Barbuda Falcons franchise in North Sound. The 2024 CPL season will run from August 29 to October 6, with matches taking place in Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago. The final will be held at the National Stadium in Providence, Guyana.With a strong core of players and the addition of Gurbaz, the Guyana Amazon Warriors are well-positioned to make a strong run in CPL 2024 and defend their championship.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to welcome a new franchise in 2024, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. The Falcons have made several high-profile signings, including Pakistan trio Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, and Fakhar Zaman.Amir, a left-arm fast bowler, is a veteran of international cricket with over 250 wickets across all formats. Wasim, a left-arm spinner, is known for his economical bowling and ability to take wickets. Zaman, a hard-hitting opener, has been a key player for Pakistan in recent years.In addition to the Pakistani trio, the Falcons have also signed Australia offspinner Chris Green and Afghanistan allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Green is a T20 specialist with over 200 wickets in the format, while Omarzai is a rising star who has impressed in international cricket.The Falcons have also added West Indies' Brandon King and Fabian Allen to their squad. King is a destructive batter who has scored over 2,000 runs in T20 cricket, while Allen is a versatile allrounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.Rounding out the Falcons' signings so far is 17-year-old batter Jewel Andrew, who played in the Under-19 World Cup for West Indies earlier this year.The Falcons will need to sign five more players at the draft in July to complete their squad. Other big signings for CPL 2024 so far include Tim David and Jason Roy (Trinbago Knight Riders), Heinrich Klaasen (St Lucia Kings), and Wanindu Hasaranga and Tristan Stubbs (St Kitts and Nevis Patriots).The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons replace Jamaica Tallawahs at the CPL. Antigua previously hosted a CPL franchise named Antigua Hawksbills in the first two CPL seasons, but that was replaced by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2015.The 2024 edition of the CPL will take place from August 28 to October 6 with games taking place in Antigua for the first time in ten years. Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago are the other venues. The National Stadium in Providence, Guyana, will host the final.