Trinbago Knight Riders. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

The Caribbean Premier League 2023 will begin from August 17 with the opening match scheduled between Jamaica Talllawahs and St Lucia Kings. Ahead of the upcoming season, the most successful franchise of the tournament, Trinbago Knight Riders have announced their retentions. 

The four-time champions have retained big stars such as Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, captain Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran while bowlers Akeal Hosein and Jayden Seales have also been held back. They will also have Mark Deyal joining their team as he makes the shift from St Lucia Kings.

In May, the Knight Riders announced that Dwayne Bravo will also be returning to the franchise for CPL 2023. Head coach Phil Simmons expressed his delight and said that the retentions has helped the franchise to build a strong core squad.

“We are very happy to be able to retain most of the Caribbean players from last year’s TKR squad. The experience of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran coupled with Dwayne Bravo’s return gives our squad a very strong core. In youngsters like Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, and Mark Deyal, we have some of the best young talent from Trinidad representing TKR,” head coach Phil Simmons was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Knight Riders further had the likes of Maheesh Theekshana and Colin Munro as their overseas signings in 2022. However, their continuation in the franchise will become clear during the overseas signings and draft picks that will be announced in late June.

“We’re looking forward to the remaining international signings. I am excited by the player draft coming up soon to complete the roster and put together a strong squad for CPL 2023,” Simmons added.

After finishing at the bottom of the table in CPL 2022, Knight Riders will look for a roaring comeback in the upcoming season. They will start their CPL 2023 campaign on August 19 against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.