What's new

Caribbean Premier League 2026 - Discussion Thread

The Bald Eagle

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Nov 25, 2023
Runs
24,252
Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is delighted to confirm that an agreement has been reached for the tournament to return to Jamaica in 2026, marking a highly anticipated homecoming for CPL cricket on the island.

The 2026 season will see the return of a Jamaica-based franchise, with four matches scheduled to be played at the iconic Sabina Park – one of the most historic and celebrated cricket venues in the world.

This announcement follows productive and collaborative discussions with the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Ministry of Tourism, resulting in CPL matches being staged in Jamaica for the first time since 2019.

Pete Russell, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Premier League, welcomed the agreement and highlighted its significance for the tournament.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the CPL back to Jamaica in 2026. Jamaica has a rich cricketing heritage and an unmistakable energy that makes it one of the most special destinations in the region. The return of a Jamaican franchise and matches at Sabina Park is something fans have been calling for, and we’re delighted to be working closely with the Government of Jamaica to make this happen.”

The return of the CPL is expected to deliver a substantial economic boost to Jamaica, with significant benefits across tourism, hospitality, transportation, and small and medium-sized enterprises. The tournament will attract thousands of visiting fans, players, officials, and international media, driving increased hotel occupancy, local spending, and employment opportunities.

Beyond its economic impact, CPL’s return will provide a powerful platform to showcase Jamaica to a vast global audience. The tournament’s 2025 combined digital and broadcast viewership surpassed one billion for the second consecutive season, offering unparalleled international exposure for Jamaica’s culture, vibrancy, and sporting heritage.

The reintroduction of a Jamaican franchise also reinforces the island’s deep cricketing legacy and its ongoing commitment to elite sport and entertainment. It creates new pathways for local talent, strengthens regional sporting ties, and enhances Jamaica’s reputation as a premier host destination for world-class events.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, welcomed the return of the CPL and its wider impact on the country.

“The Government of Jamaica is pleased to welcome the Caribbean Premier League back to our shores. This event goes beyond cricket - it supports economic growth, promotes our culture on a global stage, and inspires our young people through sport. We look forward to hosting players, fans, and partners in 2026 and delivering an unforgettable CPL experience rooted in Jamaican excellence.”

Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett said: “The return of CPL to Kingston represents more than just world-class sporting action — it signals a renewed wave of energy for our urban tourism strategy. We are committed to showcasing fresh experiences, vibrant city offerings, and even more compelling reasons for visitors to choose Jamaica as their destination.”

The Government of Jamaica looks forward to welcoming the CPL family back to Jamaica in 2026, celebrating cricket, culture, and community.

President of Cricket West Indies, Dr Kishore Shallow, said: “Everyone at Cricket West Indies is delighted to see CPL cricket returning to Jamaica. The island holds a special place in Caribbean cricket, having produced some of the finest players in our history and generations of passionate supporters who continue to inspire the game. The return of a franchise to Sabina Park, one of the region’s most iconic venues, is an important moment not only for the tournament but for cricket across the Caribbean, and we look forward to seeing the new team entertain fans and strengthen the bond between the players and the people of Jamaica.”
 
Kingsmen group in spotlight with a new franchise
===
Kingsmen Sports Enterprise has officially confirmed its entry into the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with the launch of a new franchise based in Jamaica, marking a significant new chapter for cricket on the island and a major commitment to sustainable economic growth, cultural celebration, and elite sporting development.

Backed by a new US-based investment group with a proven record in sports infrastructure, technology, and community development, the Kingsmen franchise has been structured not as a short-term sporting venture, but as a long-term partnership with Jamaica and its people. The ownership group has recently invested in a team in the Pakistan Super League and plans to help build sports tourism, local enterprise participation, and year-round economic activity tied to cricket and entertainment in Jamaica.

“Our vision for Jamaica goes far beyond match days,” said Fawad Sarwar, Group President of Kingsmen Sports Enterprise. “This franchise is designed to act as an economic engine -creating employment, supporting local businesses, and positioning Jamaica as a global hub for cricket, culture, and sportainment.”

The new franchise is expected to generate significant direct and indirect economic impact, driven by hotel occupancy, local staffing, vendor partnerships, and expanded tourism during and beyond the CPL season. The team will prioritize Jamaican suppliers, service providers, creatives, and event partners to ensure investment circulates within the local economy.

Central to the Kingsmen approach is a deep respect for Jamaican identity and culture. The franchise will embrace CPL’s reputation as the “Biggest Party in Sport,” integrating music, food, fashion, and community celebration into the matchday experience.

Crucially, Kingsmen has also committed to building a development bridge for Jamaican cricketers, linking grassroots programs to professional pathways at home and abroad. Investment in academies, coaching, data-driven scouting, and youth engagement will ensure local talent remains central to the franchise’s long-term success.

“This is about creating opportunity,” Sarwar added. “Opportunity for young Jamaican cricketers, for entrepreneurs, for artists, for hospitality workers, and for communities that see cricket as both heritage and future.”

The launch of the new Jamaica-based franchise aligns with Kingsmen Sports Enterprise’s broader global cricket strategy, combining world-class infrastructure, elite player development, and community-first investment models. In Jamaica, that strategy will be executed with a clear promise: the team will belong to the island, its culture, and its people.

Further details on team identity, community initiatives, and launch events will be announced in the coming months ahead of the 2026 Caribbean Premier League season.
 
I really hope that they have the financial muscle to buy teams in RSA, England, & Australia to become a proper global brand.
 
Back
Top