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August 13, 2024
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL or CPLT20) is a yearly Twenty20 cricket tournament held in the Caribbean. Launched in 2013 by Cricket West Indies, it replaced the Caribbean Twenty20 as the region’s top T20 competition. Sponsored by Republic Bank Limited, it’s now officially called the Republic Bank CPL. The first tournament was won by the Jamaica Tallawahs, who beat the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final.
Twenty20 domestic cricket was first organized in the West Indies in 2006 with the privately run Stanford 20/20 tournament. The competition gained official recognition in 2008 when it became part of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) calendar. However, the game ended after its sponsor, Allen Stanford, was arrested for fraud in June 2009. To fill the void, the WICB created the Caribbean Twenty20 tournament, which launched in 2010 and provided the top domestic team with a spot in the Champions League Twenty20 as the sole representative from the West Indies.
In September 2012, the WICB announced plans for a new commercial Twenty20 league, later known as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Discussions were in advanced stages with an unnamed investor. By December 2012, the WICB secured funding from Ajmal Khan, founder of Verus International, to launch the CPL in 2013. The CPL was set to feature six city-based franchises, with most players coming from the West Indies. The WICB also secured additional funding for more player contracts. The inaugural CPL occurred from 29 July to 26 August 2013, with subsequent tournaments held from 5 July to 10 August 2014, 21 June to 26 July 2015, and 29 June to 7 August 2016.
The CPL T20 tournament features six teams and is split into two stages: the group stage and the knockout stage. Each team plays ten matches in the group stage, three being home games. The tournament follows a unique format where all teams gather at one location to play five games, then move together to a new location for the next five games. Six stadiums are used, each serving as the home ground for one of the teams. The knockout stage includes two semi-finals and a final, with all three elimination games played at Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Stadium to determine the tournament winner.
The 6ixty is a T10 cricket league organized by Cricket West Indies and the Caribbean Premier League, scheduled to be played four times a year, starting with a five-day men’s and women’s tournament in August 2022. The league introduces several unique rules:
Since the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) began, six teams have competed, with varying levels of success. The Trinbago Knight Riders are the most successful team, winning the tournament four times, including back-to-back titles, with their most recent victory in 2020 against the St Lucia Zouks. The Jamaica Tallawahs have won the CPL three times, while the Barbados Tridents have claimed two titles. The current champions, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, secured their first CPL title by defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders by 9 wickets.
Barbados Royals: The Barbados Royals, originally known as the Barbados Tridents, joined the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in its inaugural season in 2013. Over the years, the team has been home to several top players, including the dynamic all-rounder Jason Holder, who has been a critical figure in batting and bowling. Other notable players include power-hitter Kyle Mayers and the experienced South African batsman Quinton de Kock, who has contributed significantly to the team’s success. The Royals have won the CPL title twice, in 2014 and 2019, cementing their place as one of the league’s top franchises.
Guyana Amazon Warriors: The Guyana Amazon Warriors joined the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in its inaugural season in 2013 and have since become one of the most consistent teams in the tournament. Key players include the explosive batsman Shimron Hetmyer, who has been a vital part of the team’s batting lineup, and the crafty leg-spinner Imran Tahir, known for his wicket-taking abilities. All-rounder Romario Shepherd and the experienced Nicholas Pooran have also been instrumental in the team’s success. The Warriors finally claimed their first CPL title in 2023 after being runners-up multiple times.
Jamaica Tallawahs: The Jamaica Tallawahs, a franchise in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) since its inception in 2013, have been known for their explosive performances. The team boasts top players such as Chris Gayle, one of T20 cricket’s greatest hitters, and Andre Russell, an explosive all-rounder renowned for his powerful batting and effective bowling. The talented batsman Rovman Powell has also significantly contributed to the team’s success. The Tallawahs have secured the CPL title thrice in 2013, 2016, and 2021, showcasing their dominance in the league.
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots: The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots joined the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in its inaugural season in 2013 and have been a competitive force in the league. The team is known for its influential players, including the explosive batsman Evin Lewis, a key performer with the bat, and the dynamic all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, renowned for his bowling and finishing abilities. The Patriots also feature talented players like Fabian Allen, who adds depth with both bat and ball. The team achieved its first CPL title in 2015, demonstrating their strong presence in the tournament.
St Lucia Kings: The St Lucia Kings, formerly the St Lucia Zouks, joined the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2013. The team has been notable for its strong roster, including the explosive batsman Roston Chase, who provides vital runs and all-round contributions. Another key player is the seasoned fast bowler James Faulkner, known for his crucial death-overs performance. The Kings also benefit from the dynamic all-rounder Andre Fletcher, who brings power and agility to the squad. The team secured its first CPL title in 2021, marking a significant achievement in their CPL history.
Trinbago Knight Riders: The Trinbago Knight Riders joined the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2013 and have established themselves as one of the league’s most successful franchises. The team features standout players like Kieron Pollard, an explosive all-rounder known for his powerful hitting and effective bowling. Sunil Narine, a key spinner and dynamic batsman, has also been crucial to their success. Additionally, the team benefits from the explosive talents of Darren Bravo and the steady contributions of veteran players like Denesh Ramdin. The Knight Riders have won the CPL title four times, including back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018.
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for The Wicket Insider, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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