Defending champions St Lucia Kings made a major move ahead of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season by signing IPL-winning allrounder Tim David as their first-round pick. However, they will be without title-winning skipper Faf du Plessis, who has opted to play in The Hundred for Southern Brave due to commitments with IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, whose co-owners are acquiring the English team.
Key Draft Moves
- Moeen Ali, who retired from international cricket last year, flipped the script by skipping The Hundred in favour of the CPL. He was re-signed by Guyana Amazon Warriors in the seventh round, joining veteran Imran Tahir, retained as their top pick.
- Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) strengthened their squad with Pakistan duo Mohammad Amir and Usman Tariq, while retaining big names like Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Nicholas Pooran.
- Antigua & Barbuda Falcons made waves by signing Imad Wasim and Shakib Al Hasan with their first two picks. Shakib still holds the record for best figures in a CPL innings (6 for 6).
- Afghanistan will have strong representation with AM Ghazanfar (Falcons), Waqar Salamkheil (Patriots), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai (both Royals).
- Bevon Jacobs, a hard-hitting Kiwi, will debut for the Falcons, while his compatriots Tim Seifert (Kings) and Glenn Phillips (Amazon Warriors) will continue their CPL journeys. Colin Munro, TKR’s all-time leading scorer, returns along with Darren Bravo, now reuniting with brother Dwayne Bravo, who steps in as head coach.
Breakout League Mandate
In a significant move to promote regional youth, each franchise must field one player from the new Breakout League in every match. Rounds 15 to 17 of the draft were reserved for these rising stars.
- Ackeem Auguste rejoins Kings as a breakout player following strong performances for West Indies Academy and a stint training at the CSK academy in India.
- Joshua Da Silva, who captained Trinidad & Tobago Legions to the Breakout League title, was picked by home franchise TKR.
- Jyd Goolie, a former U19 World Cup winner, joins the Patriots following his senior team call-up.
CPL 2025 Full Squads:
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots
Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Rilee Rossouw, Evin Lewis, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Corbin Bosch, Waqar Salamkheil, Andre Fletcher, Alick Athanaze, Mohammad Nawaz, Dominic Drakes, Mikyle Louis, Ashmead Nedd, Jeremiah Louis, Jyd Goolie, Navin Bidaisee, Leniko Boucher
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons
Imad Wasim, Shakib Al Hasan, Fabian Allen, Naveen-ul-Haq, Obed McCoy, Justin Greaves, Bevon Jacobs, Jayden Seales, AM Ghazanfar, Rahkeem Cornwall, Odean Smith, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo, Karima Gore, Kevin Wickham, Joshua James
Barbados Royals
Rovman Powell, Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, Quinton de Kock, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, Jomel Warrican, Kadeem Alleyne, Shaqkere Parris, Kofi James, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke, Zishan Motara, Johann Layne, Ramon Simmonds
Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR)
Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Alex Hales, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir, Colin Munro, Usman Tariq, Ali Khan, Darren Bravo, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Terrance Hinds, McKenny Clarke, Joshua Da Silva, Nathan Edward
Guyana Amazon Warriors
Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope, Glenn Phillips, Gudakesh Motie, Moeen Ali, Shamar Joseph, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Shamarh Brooks, Kemol Savory, Hassan Khan, Jediah Blades, Kevlon Anderson, Quentin Sampson, Riyad Latif
Saint Lucia Kings
Tim David, Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Tim Seifert, Roston Chase, Tabraiz Shamsi, David Wiese, Delano Potgieter, Matthew Forde, Aaron Jones, Khary Pierre, Javelle Glen, Micah McKenzie, Shadrack Descarte, Johann Jeremiah, Keon Gaston, Ackeem Auguste
