Strong Jamaican core named in Jamiaca Kingsmen squad for 2026 Caribbean Premier League

Jamaican players Odean Smith, Vitel Lawes, Jeavor Royal and Kirk McKenzie were all drafted by the Kingsmen as the seven CPL franchises finalized their regional squads .

The Kingsmen also selected Guyanese all-rounder Keemo Paul, along with Keacy Carty and Shaqkere Parris, all of whom bring previous CPL experience. The franchise has also retained the experienced Jamaican duo of captain Rovman Powell and Andre Russell.

The full Jamaica Kingsmen squad currently includes:

• Rovman Powell (captain)
• Andre Russell
• Keemo Paul
• Keacy Carty
• Jediah Blades
• Shaqkere Parris
• Odean Smith
• Vitel Lawes
• Romaine Morris
• Kirk McKenzie
• Kelvin Pittman
• Jeavor Royal

Meanwhile, Barbados Royals selected Gudakesh Motie, ending his five-year spell with the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Barbados also re-drafted fellow Guyanese player Sherfane Rutherford and used their Right to Match Options to retain Jamiacan Brandon King, Kadeem Alleyne, Rivaldo Clarke, Johann Layne and Kofi James. Zishan Motara who also returned to the squad.

Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders retained Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein and Terrance Hinds through their RMOs. New additions include Justin Greaves and Dominic Drakes, while Jyd Goolie will represent his home franchise for the first time alongside newcomers Dexter Sween and Abdul Raheem-Toppin.

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons welcomed back local fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and also signed Evin Lewis. Their retained players include Fabian Allen, Jayden Seales and Amir Jangoo, while Shamar Springer, Rahkeem Cornwall and Karima Gore also return. New faces include Anderson Mahase and Anderson Phillip.

The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots drafted Johnson Charles and also welcomed back Andre Fletcher. The Patriots retained Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze and Mikyle Louis through RMOs. Jason Holder also returns to the franchise alongside Kevin Wickham and Obed McCoy.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors retained Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope and Shamar Joseph, while bringing in Kharie Pierre to replace Motie, while the Saint Lucia Kings retained Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and Keon Gaston, while adding Jewel Andrew to their squad.

Overseas players for all franchises are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.