Photo Credit: Cricket West Indies
Jamaica Tallawahs will launch the title defence of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League when they take on St Lucia Kings in the opening match on Wednesday night. The Jamaicans beat Barbados Royals in last year’s final at Guyana’s National Stadium and are confident of once again making their mark.
New captain Brandon King said it was important for his side to “play with passion” if they were to make inroads. “The Jamaica Tallawahs are excited for the 2023 season to begin,” said King, who scored a career-best unbeaten half-century last Sunday to help West Indies clinch a T20I Series win over India in Florida.
“I firmly believe that our success in the upcoming tournament lies not just in our individual skills, but in our ability to unite as a team, play with passion, and embrace every challenge that comes our way. I’m excited for the new season and can’t wait to get on the field to defend our title.”
King will lead a Tallawahs unit which features all-rounder Fabian Allen, batters Jermaine Blackwood and Shamarh Brooks, along with overseas players Imad Wasim, Chris Green and Mohammed Amir.
The St Lucia Kings will host the curtain-raiser at the Daren Sammy Stadium. They are in pursuit of their maiden CPL title, having twice made the final – in 2020 and 2021 – but come up short to Trinbago Knight Riders and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
Their Head Coach Daren Sammy said winning their first title was very much still at the forefront of their minds.
“The Saint Lucia Kings are delighted to be getting their 2023 campaign under way at our home ground,” he said. “We are sure that the Lucian public will come out in big numbers to support us as we push to make the playoffs and then go on and claim our first CPL title. We have a very strong team full of exciting young talent and experienced local and overseas players and we are well placed heading into the tournament.”
Kings’ bid will be led by the West Indies trio of Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase and Johnson Charles, while South African talisman Faf du Plessis headlines the overseas players.
The Republic Bank CPL will run from 16 August to 24 September and also feature: Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Royals, Trinbago Knight Riders and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
For the full match schedule visit www.cplt20.com
