Jamaica is inching closer to regaining its place in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), with discussions around a new franchise reaching an advanced stage. While the upcoming 2025 season will proceed without a Jamaica-based team, it is becoming increasingly likely that the island will return to the CPL fold in 2026.
The push follows the departure of the Jamaica Tallawahs, who were forced to sell back their franchise to the CPL due to financial constraints, including a lack of sustainable support from the Jamaican government. The team has since been relocated and rebranded as Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
However, momentum is building for a fresh start. Reports from early suggested that the new Jamaican franchise will be backed by an Indian Premier League (IPL) ownership group, bringing renewed investment and global expertise into the CPL. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the CPL’s commercial model by deepening its ties with one of the world’s most successful T20 leagues.
President of Cricket West Indies, Dr. Kishore Shallow, has suggested that Head Coach Daren Sammy is facing such intense criticism largely because he is St. Lucian.
Speaking on Starcom Network’s Mason & Guests cricket programme, Dr. Shallow addressed calls from West Indies legend Carl Hooper, host Andrew Mason, and others, who have argued that Sammy should be removed after his very first series in charge. This follows the Windies’ 3-0 defeat to Australia and their record-low team score of just 27.
Dr. Shallow insists that the calls for Sammy’s dismissal are unjustified.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced the 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) Series against Australia, to be played from July 20–28 at Sabina Park in Jamaica and Warner Park in St. Kitts.
The squad features the core group of players who secured a recent series win against Ireland, along with exciting newcomers Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades earning maiden T20 call-ups.
Andrew, a highly regarded batting prospect and back-up wicketkeeper, has impressed with his intent and range against spin bowling. At just 18, he is seen as one of the region’s brightest prospects and will be eager to make his mark on the international stage.
Left arm seamer Blades who made his international debut against Bangladesh in 2024, was one of the shining lights during the inaugural West Indies Breakout League where he took most of his wickets in the powerplay.
The upcoming T20 series between West Indies and Australia will be the final time that West Indian fans in the Caribbean and around the world will get to see one of their recent heroes wearing maroon.
This regional outfit will say farewell to two-time T20 World Cup winner Andre Russell, who will suit up for the West Indies in his final two international matches on home soil at Sabina Park, on July 20 and 22.
Russell, who has represented the West Indies in more than 140 international matches over a 15-year career, remains a high-impact player and was selected on merit as part of the competitive 16-man squad looking to climb their way up the world rankings in the lead-up to next year’s T20I World Cup.
"Like every West Indian cricket fan, I felt the pain of our recent Test defeat to Australia.
The result hurts deeply, not only because of how we lost, but because of what West Indies cricket has always represented to our people: pride, identity, and possibility.
There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily. But while disappointment is natural, we must not allow this moment to define our journey. We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation, and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world.
Progress is rarely straightforward. It takes time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments. The road ahead will test us, but I have faith in the talent and commitment of our players when they apply themselves. We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Our batters are keen, but now must be even more deliberate as they work to improve.
