The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to welcome a new era for its Jamaican franchise following the acquisition by US-based Pakistani businessman Fawad Sarwar. Through his enterprise Kingsmen Sports, Sarwar has successfully outbid multiple contenders to assume control of the team, which has been dormant since 2023 when former owner Kris Persaud relocated to establish the Falcons franchise in Antigua.
Sarwar brings significant cricket franchise expertise to the CPL, currently operating the Hyderabad franchise in the Pakistan Super League and the Chicago Kingsmen in Minor League Cricket. His successful bid prevailed over other interested parties, including the GMR Group—co-owners of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League—who had engaged in advanced negotiations that ultimately did not reach fruition.
The official announcement, while not yet formally made by CPL authorities, is anticipated within coming weeks according to sources familiar with the transaction. The league’s administration, including CEO Pete Russell, joined by Cricket West Indies president Dr. Kishore Shallow and Jamaica’s Sports Minister Olivia Grange, has already expressed enthusiasm about the tournament’s return to Jamaican soil.
The 2024 CPL season, scheduled from early August through September 20th, will mark a significant homecoming as matches return to Sabina Park for the first time since 2019. The Jamaican franchise, previously known as the Tallawahs, boasts an impressive championship history having secured the CPL title in 2013, 2016, and 2022, setting high expectations for Sarwar’s revitalization of the team.