Caribbean Premier League draft shakes up rosters: Motie moves, Narine stays, Charles joins Patriots
The 2026 Caribbean Premier League officially got underway as the tournament’s seven franchises recently completed their local player selections during the annual CPL draft.
The competition will run from August 7 to Sept. 20, with international signings being expected to be revealed soon.
Although many teams chose to retain the core of their squads, one of the biggest moves was star spinner Gudakesh Motie leaving his home franchise after five years.
The Barbados Tridents were the ones to make the big move by signing star spinner Gudakesh Motie from the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Barbados also strengthened their squad by reuniting with Guyanese batsman Sherfane Rutherford, who previously played for the franchise in 2025.
Using their Right to Match Options (RMOs), Barbados secured the returns of Brandon King, Kadeem Alleyne, Rivaldo Clarke, Johann Layne, and Kofi James. Zishan Motara will also join the Tridents again in 2026.
Defending champions the Trinbago Knight Riders focused on experience retaining key players such as Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein, and Terrance Hinds as part of their championship core.
The squad also added fresh talent, including Barbadians Justin Greaves and Dominic Drakes, who will play for the franchise for the first time. Trinidadian Jyd Goolie will represent his home team after a spell with the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in 2025, while Dexter Sween and Abdul Raheem-Toppin were also added to the roster.
The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots strengthened their squad with the opening partnership of Johnson Charles, the CPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, and Andre Fletcher, who ranks second on the career runs list.
The franchise also retained Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze, and Mikyle Louis. Former champion Jason Holder returned to the Patriots, while Kevin Wickham and Obed McCoy joined the team for the first time.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors moved quickly after the loss of star spinner Gudakesh Motie by signing left-arm spinner Khary Pierre from the Kings.
The franchise also retained key players such as Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope, and Shamar Joseph. Ronaldo Alimohamed, Veerasammy Permaul, Mavendra Dindyal, and Jonathan van Lange have joined the squad, giving the Warriors 10 Guyanese players among their 12 local selections.
The Jamaica Kingsmen strengthened their squad by drafting explosive T20 stars Rovman Powell and Andre Russell. They will be joined by fellow Jamaicans Odean Smith, Vitel Lawes, Jeavor Royal, and Kirk McKenzie. Also added were experienced CPL players Keemo Paul, Keacy Carty, and Shaqkere Parris to complete the squad.
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons made a major signing by bringing home Antiguan fast bowler Alzarri Joseph after his five seasons with the Saint Lucia Kings. They also signed explosive opener Evin Lewis, ending his long association with the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.
The team retained Fabian Allen, Jayden Seales, and Amir Jangoo, while Shamar Springer, Rahkeem Cornwall, and Karima Gore returned from the 2025 squad. Anderson Mahase and Anderson Phillip are the newest additions to the roster.
The Saint Lucia Kings focused on stability and youth. They retained key players Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, and Keon Gaston through RMOs. Their major new signing was promising Antiguan batter Jewel Andrew. They also welcomed back Saint Lucian McKenny Clarke and added Trinidadian batsman Kamil Pooran, along with Damion Joachim, Joshua Bishop, and Darron Nedd.
