Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders have triggered their Right to Match Option (RMO) to bring back a seasoned trio for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026. Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard have been re-signed as part of a draft process where the domestic portion of each squad has already been finalised. A release confirming the domestic set-up was issued on Friday, May 15. Pooran played a key role in TKR’s title-winning campaign last year, steering the franchise to its fifth CPL championship, while Pollard finished the tournament as the Player of the Tournament. Narine, meanwhile, remains a familiar name in Knight Riders line-ups across multiple franchise competitions around the world.
Alongside the headline retentions, TKR made further moves using two additional RMOs to keep Akeal Hosein and Terrance Hinds in their ranks. The reigning champions also broadened their roster by adding all-rounders Justin Greaves and Dominic Drakes, rounding out their domestic recruitment before overseas additions are confirmed.
Guyana Amazon Warriors build their core
The Guyana Amazon Warriors, who won the title in 2023, have opted for continuity by locking in their core group through a series of RMOs. Their protected list includes Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd and Shai Hope, the West Indies white-ball skipper. Guyana then used their fourth RMO to secure speedster Shamar Joseph, ensuring a blend of batting options and pace remains intact for the next CPL season.
Jamaica Kingsmen welcome new faces
With the franchise set to operate as Jamaica Kingsmen, the team has moved to strengthen its squad by bringing in Rovman Powell and Andre Russell. Both players previously featured for the older Jamaica Tallawahs set-up before switching allegiances. Powell will bring experience from three seasons with Barbados Royals, a franchise that has since been rebranded as Barbados Tridents. Russell, meanwhile, spent four years with TKR prior to this new chapter.
The Kingsmen’s draft activity did not stop there. They have drafted left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and middle-order batter Sherfane Rutherford, while also using two RMOs to add Brandon King and Kadeem Alleyne to their squad.
Holder and Charles for St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots have secured the services of former West Indies captain Jason Holder and wicket-keeper Johnson Charles. Charles enters the season as the all-time leading run-getter in CPL history, adding significant batting pedigree to the Patriots’ plans.
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons make multiple additions
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have drafted pacer Alzarri Joseph and opener Evin Lewis. They have also used their RMOs to retain Jayden Seales, Amir Jangoo and Fabian Allen, stacking their squad with a mix of top-order batting and pace options.
St. Lucia Kings retain key names
St. Lucia Kings, the champions of 2024, have exercised their RMO on Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and Keon Gaston. The three inclusions keep the franchise focused on building a balanced unit around experienced contributors.
The overseas signings for all seven franchises will be announced at a later stage. The CPL 2026 is scheduled to be played from August 7 to September 20.
