The 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is preparing for a major shake-up, with fresh franchise entries and new venues on the calendar. The tournament will feature a seventh team for the first time in its history, as the Jamaica Kingsmen make their debut this year. The league is also returning to Jamaica for the first time in six years, with Kingsmen stepping in as the new local presence after the previous Jamaica franchise underwent a relocation.
Key changes for CPL 2026
The owners behind the former Jamaica Tallawahs had moved the franchise to Antigua, and the Tallawahs brand ultimately ended after the 2023 season. Alongside the Jamaica return and the introduction of a seventh team, the CPL schedule will run through additional Caribbean venues. For the first time ever, matches will be staged at Arnos Vale Stadium in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, bringing CPL cricket to the scenic ground for the opening stretch of the competition.
CPL 2026 is set to include 39 matches, played between August 7 and September 20. The new tournament structure also includes a landmark first for the finals: Barbados will host the CPL final for the first time in the competition’s history.
Schedule highlights and dates
- August 7: The tournament begins with the opening match between the debutants Jamaica Kingsmen and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.
- August 7 and the following fixtures: Arnos Vale Stadium in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will stage the opener and the next two matches of the competition.
- Up to September 13: The league stage is scheduled to continue through this date.
- September 16: The Eliminator match takes place.
- September 17: Qualifier 1 is scheduled for this day.
- September 18: Qualifier 2 follows.
- September 20: The CPL final is set to be played in Barbados.
Caribbean Premier League CEO Pete Russell welcomed the expanded format and the added destinations. He said the league is delighted to bring CPL cricket to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the first time, while also expressing excitement about hosting finals week in Barbados. Russell added that the league aims to keep raising the bar each year and is confident CPL 2026 will be the tournament’s best season yet, referencing its 14-year history and plans to deliver the biggest and most memorable finale.
