KINGSTON, Jamaica – The newly established ownership of Jamaica’s returning Caribbean Premier League franchise has identified three prominent Jamaican cricketers as primary acquisition targets. Kingsmen Sports Enterprise, a U.S.-based sports consortium that formally completed its takeover last week, is prioritizing the signings of Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, and Brandon King to construct a competitive roster for the 2026 season.
Faisal Mirza, a representative for Kingsmen Sports Enterprise, emphasized the value of these players in comments to the Jamaica Observer, stating they are “very important to any team they become a part of.” This strategic move aims to re-establish a strong local core for the franchise, which previously competed as the Jamaica Tallawahs.
Andre Russell, a two-time T20 World Cup champion currently under contract with the reigning CPL champions Trinbago Knight Riders, had previously expressed interest in a return to a Jamaican franchise should one re-enter the league, a sentiment he voiced last July.
Former West Indies captain Rovman Powell, who departed for the Barbados Royals, told the Observer in 2023 that he hoped to return to the Jamaican setup soon. Current West Indies T20 captain Brandon King, who led the Tallawahs in their final season in 2023, has subsequently played for the Barbados Royals (2025) and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons (2024).
Mirza confirmed that negotiations are actively progressing with several Jamaican players and coaches, in addition to exploring overseas talent. The player draft for the upcoming CPL season, scheduled to run from early August to September 20, is anticipated to occur within the next few months.