Kingsmen, Falcons get CPL rolling

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) officially kicks off its 2026 season this evening, with the Jamaica Kingsmen franchise set to play the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the opening match in St. Vincent. The game holds symbolic weight as the Falcons replaced the Jamaica Tallawahs in the league for the 2024 season after the latter franchise folded.

Leading the Kingsmen is former Tallawahs captain Andre Russell, who brings championship experience from his time with the Trinbago Knight Riders. He will be joined by TKR teammate Keacy Carty, along with new West Indies spin talent Vitel Lawes and seasoned all-rounder Keemo Paul.

The Falcons will be captained by England's Moeen Ali. Their squad boasts a strong Trinidad and Tobago contingent, including explosive opener Evin Lewis, who previously played for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. They also feature Amir Jangoo, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Mahase, bolstered by the international quality of Sri Lanka batter Kusal Perera and Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan.

Tomorrow's fixtures will see defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders begin their title defense against the Patriots, with Nicholas Pooran once again at the helm.