New Delhi, 16 May (H.S.): Teams have begun finalising their squads ahead of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026. Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders have retained their strong West Indian core by bringing back Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine and Akil Hosein. Akil Hosein, who was named Player of the Match in last season’s final, will also remain with the side.

Meanwhile, star all‑rounder Andre Russell will feature in CPL 2026 for the new franchise, Jamaica Kingsmen. Alongside him, Rovman Powell has also joined the team. Powell will captain the side, having previously led Jamaica Tallawahs to the title in 2022.

Jamaica Kingsmen have also inducted 19‑year‑old left‑arm wrist‑spinner Veital Louis into their squad. Louis impressed at the Under‑19 World Cup 2026, taking 10 wickets in five matches and finishing as the most successful West Indies bowler in the tournament.

Guiana Amazon Warriors’ leading spinner, Gudakesh Motie, will now play for Barbados Tridents.

In the previous season, Motie formed a potent spin partnership with Imran Tahir and played a key role in helping the team win both the CPL and the Global Super League titles. Barbados have also retained West Indies opener Brandon King.

Guiana Amazon Warriors have brought in Keon Pierre to replace Motie. The team have kept Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph in the squad. Quinton Sampson will also remain with the side.

Saint Lucia Kings have recalled Roston Chase and Matthew Forde. Meanwhile, emerging Caribbean batter J’Ville, formerly with Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, has moved to Saint Lucia Kings.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have retained Kyle Mayers, Andre Fletcher and Alick Athanaze. Jason Holder will also stay with the franchise. In addition, the team have roped in Johnson Charles, the batsman with the most runs in CPL history. Evin Lewis will now play for the Falcons.

CPL 2026 will be held across a record eight countries. The tournament will run from August 7 to September 20 and will directly coincide with the Hundred competition.

CPL 2026: All‑team squads

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons

Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, J’Ville, Javed Jacob, Shamar Springer, Jahmar Hamilton, Rahkeem Cornwall, Anderson Phillip, Kevlon Andrews, Anderson Mahase, Joshua James.

Barbados Tridents

Gudakesh Motie, Shai Hurdle, Brandon King, Jashandeep Singh, Kadeem Alleyne, Ryan Simmonds, Shadric Deschard, Shai‑Martin, Jashane Polard, Javeyn, Kofi James.

Guyana Amazon Warriors

Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope, Keon Pierre, Shamar Joseph, Ronald Emmanuel, Veerasammy Permaul, Matthew Nandu, Jonathan, Maheesh Theekshana, Isai Thorne, Quinton Sampson.

Jamaica Kingsmen

Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Keemo Paul, Kesrick Castle, Shacquille Powell, Romario, Odean Smith, Veital Louis, Romane, Kirk McKenzie, Kelvin Pitman, J’Veer.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

Johnson Charles, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Andre Fletcher, Keon West, Obed McCoy, Ashmead Nedd, Jeremiah Louis, Alick Athanaze, Mikai McKenzie, Navin Bidaisee, Mikail Louis.

Saint Lucia Kings

Roston Chase, J’Ville, Matthew Forde, Keagan Prince, Darren Nedd, McClean, Joshua Bishop, Damian Joachim, Keon Gaston, Amari Goodridge, Johan Jeremiah, Akim Auguste.

Trinbago Knight Riders

Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Akil Hosein, Justin Greaves, Dominic Drex, Jai Gulliver, Dexter Sween, Terrance, Nathan Edward, Joshua da Silva, Abdul Rahim Topin.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar