The 2024 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), hosted by Cricket West Indies (CWI), will mark the 12th installment of this premier T20 competition. Running from August 29 to October 6, the tournament will feature six teams battling it out over nearly six weeks of intense cricket action. For the first time in a decade, Antigua will host CPL matches, joining other iconic venues across Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago. The grand finale is set to take place at the National Stadium in Providence, Guyana.

Introduction of Antigua & Barbuda Falcons

This year introduces the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, a new franchise replacing the Jamaica Tallawahs, who were disbanded last year due to financial constraints. Antigua had previously been represented in the CPL by the Antigua Hawksbills, who participated in the first two seasons before being replaced by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2015. The return of a team from Antigua adds a fresh dynamic to the league.

Antigua’s opening clash and star-studded line-up

The Falcons, led by West Indies batter Brandon King, will make their CPL debut on Thursday (August 29, facing off against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the opening match. The team has assembled a formidable squad, including international stars such as Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim and Fakhar Zaman. They are joined by Australia’s off spinner Chris Green and Afghanistan’s allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai, adding depth and versatility to the team.

Alongside these international heavyweights, the Falcons have secured the services of West Indies’ Fabian Allen and promising 17-year-old batter Jewel Andrew, who made a mark in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year. The inclusion of both seasoned players and young talent showcases the Falcons’ commitment to balancing experience with emerging cricketing prospects.

Also READ: Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024: Complete squads of all 6 teams after players’ draft

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons’ top-choice playing XI for the CPL 2024:

Brandon King – A solid opener known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to anchor the innings.
Fakhar Zaman – An explosive left-handed opener who can accelerate the scoring from the start.
Imad Wasim – A reliable all-rounder with a left-arm spin option and handy lower-order batting.
Jahmar Hamilton – A reliable wicketkeeper-batters who can stabilize the innings when required
Fabian Allen – A dynamic all-rounder, offering powerful hitting and effective left-arm spin.
Azmatullah Omarzai – A hard-hitting middle-order batters who can also bowl medium pace.
Chris Green – A skilled off-spinner who is economical and can contribute with the bat lower down the order.
Roshon Primus – A versatile all-rounder with the ability to finish games with his batting and provide pace with the ball.
Justin Greaves – A medium-pacer who can contribute with the bat and provide depth to the lower order..
Mohammad Amir – The spearhead of the bowling attack, known for his lethal left-arm pace and swing.
Hayden Walsh – A leg-spinner with the ability to break partnerships and control the middle overs.

Also READ: Clinical West Indies sweep T20I series against South Africa

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