The 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to kick off shortly in Antigua, where the newly established franchise, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, will debut against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the tournament’s opening match.
In addition to these two teams, the competition will feature four other franchises: Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Royals, Trinbago Knight Riders, and St. Lucia Kings. The CPL has earned its reputation as “the biggest party in cricket,” where the atmosphere is as lively as the matches themselves—a claim that has been consistently validated by fans since the tournament’s inception.
As CPL 2024 approaches, several high-profile cricketers are set to take part in the event. Here’s a look at five batters who are likely to make a significant impact in this year’s Caribbean Premier League.
#1 Faf du Plessis, St. Lucia Kings
St. Lucia Kings, the sister franchise of the IPL’s Punjab Kings, will once again rely on the experience of Faf du Plessis, who is also the captain of IPL’s Royal Challengers Bangalore. Du Plessis has been a standout performer for the St. Lucia Kings, particularly during the 2022 CPL season, where he scored 332 runs in nine innings, including a top score of 103. Fans of St. Lucia will be hoping for another stellar season from him in 2024.
#2 Fakhar Zaman, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons
Pakistan’s dynamic opener Fakhar Zaman is set to make his CPL debut with the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in 2024. Known for his explosive batting in white-ball cricket, Zaman has an impressive T20 record, having amassed 6,548 runs in 243 innings, including three centuries and 45 half-centuries. All eyes will be on him to see how he adapts to the CPL in his inaugural season.
#3 Rovman Powell, Barbados Royals
Rovman Powell, the captain of Barbados Royals, brings a wealth of CPL experience, having played 82 matches in the league and scoring 1,530 runs at an average of 25.08. Powell made the switch from Jamaica Tallawahs to Barbados Royals last season, where he scored 193 runs in nine innings with a strike rate nearing 170. As captain, he’ll be looking to lead his team from the front with another strong performance in CPL 2024.
#4 Tristan Stubbs, St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots
Tristan Stubbs, a rising star in the T20 circuit, has made a name for himself with his powerful hitting in various leagues. Although he’s already showcased his talent in the IPL, SA20, and The Hundred, this will be Stubbs’ first appearance in the CPL. With a career T20 strike rate exceeding 150, Stubbs is expected to bring fireworks to the CPL 2024.
#5 Nicholas Pooran, Trinbago Knight Riders
Nicholas Pooran, arguably one of the most devastating batters in modern cricket, will be a key player for Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL 2024. The Knight Riders boast a formidable batting lineup, including stars like Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Jason Roy, Andre Russell, and Dwayne Bravo. Yet, it’s Pooran’s ability to hit sixes at will that sets him apart. With a career CPL strike rate of 148.32 and an average close to 25 in 103 matches, Pooran is expected to light up the tournament.
