Jamaica’s return to the Caribbean Premier League is being backed by a significant financial commitment aimed at rebuilding the island’s professional T20 presence.
According to a report by Jamaica Observer, the new Jamaica CPL franchise owners, Kingsmen Sports Enterprise, together with tournament organisers, have committed US$3.25 million annually to operate professional teams and support the development of cricket in the country. The investment includes US$2.75 million dedicated to running a men’s franchise and US$500,000 allocated to establishing a women’s CPL team.
Hosting support and fee waiver for Jamaica
The financial arrangement around hosting matches in Jamaica has also been adjusted for the upcoming season.
Sport Minister Olivia Grange explained during a meeting of Parliament’s Standing Finance Committee that the Caribbean Premier League will waive its standard hosting fee for Sabina Park this year due to the country’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa. “CPL will waive the fee this year, which is normally a part of the host agreement, in consideration of Hurricane Melissa and its impact on the country. Therefore, Jamaica’s input will be primarily value in kind,” Grange said.
The arrangement means the country’s contribution will largely involve logistical support rather than direct financial payments.
CPL matches set to return to Sabina Park
The revival of the Jamaica franchise will also see Caribbean Premier League fixtures staged in the country again after several years without a team in the tournament.
Grange confirmed that the upcoming CPL season will include multiple matches at Sabina Park, marking the competition’s return to the venue after a long absence. “With the return of the Jamaica-based franchise, four matches are scheduled to be played at the iconic Sabina Park, marking the return of CPL matches to Jamaica for the first time since 2019,” Grange added.
As previously reported by cricexec, the Caribbean Premier League reached an agreement with the Government of Jamaica to bring the tournament back to the island in 2026, confirming the return of a Jamaica-based franchise and four fixtures at Sabina Park. The deal followed discussions between CPL organisers and government authorities through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Ministry of Tourism.
The franchise has not participated in the tournament in recent editions, leaving Jamaica without a representative team in the CPL since the previous ownership structure stepped away.
Broader plans for development and sports tourism
Beyond the professional teams, the investment is expected to support programmes aimed at strengthening grassroots cricket and expanding opportunities for young players.
Officials have indicated that these initiatives will be developed in collaboration with the Jamaican Government and corporate partners, with the objective of creating measurable benefits for the sport’s development in the country.
As previously reported by cricexec, the return of CPL cricket to Jamaica is also expected to deliver broader economic benefits through increased tourism activity, hospitality demand, and international exposure for the island as thousands of fans, players, and media are expected to travel to the country during the tournament.
There are also plans to invest in sports infrastructure while positioning Jamaica as a destination for elite T20 cricket. Authorities believe the franchise’s return could help reinforce the country’s profile in the growing sports tourism market.
Ownership details expected soon
The revival of the Jamaica franchise follows a change in ownership that has yet to be formally announced by the league.
Jamaica Observer previously reported that US-based businessman Fawad Sarwar is the new owner of the Jamaica franchise. Sarwar heads the FKS Group and Kingsmen Sports and Enterprise, which already operates teams in other cricket competitions including the Hyderabad franchise in the Pakistan Super League and the Chicago Kingsmen in Minor League Cricket in the United States.
Sarwar’s group reportedly secured control of the Jamaica franchise after competing against several interested bidders. The team has been inactive since 2023, when former owner Kris Persaud shifted his focus to launching the Falcons franchise in Antigua.
An official announcement confirming the new ownership and branding of the revived Jamaica CPL team is expected in the coming weeks as preparations continue for the tournament’s return to the island.
