Caribbean Premier League unveil new franchise as Antigua & Barbuda Falcons replace Jamaica Tallawahs

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have replaced the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024, marking the return of an Antigua-based team after a decade-long absence. Antigua and Barbuda Falcons are the second Antigua-based team in the CPL.

Kris Persaud, a Guyanese businessman, will be the owner of the Falcons, who will play their home games at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Antigua previously hosted the Antigua Hawksbills, but they were later replaced by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2015.

The three-time CPL champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs, were disbanded last year due to financial challenges. Jamaica won’t host any CPL matches in 2024. Efforts to establish a new Jamaica-based franchise are underway, but it won’t happen until 2025 at the earliest.

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Will Bring A Unique Energy – Krishna Persaud

On Tuesday, February 20, the franchise owners, Worldwide Sports Management Group, unveiled the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. Krishna Persaud, the founder and president of Worldwide Sports Management Group, expressed enthusiasm about the new franchise.

“We are brand new; we are here, we are ready… let’s get ready to play! The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will bring a unique energy and vitality to the CPL. We are ready to fly high and conquer what is before us.

“We want to establish a winner’s culture within the team and also a culture of winning and success off the field – among every individual associated with this franchise and the amazing fans we will have at our special home base at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in lovely Antigua,” Persaud said in a statement.

“What you are witnessing today as we unveil the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, is something truly special and I want to thank the Government of Antigua & Barbuda, who have worked closely with us to bring the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons to life. Antigua is our home… This country has a rich cricket history and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will create more great history on these shores. It is now time for the Falcons to fly high!” he added.

Further information regarding the organizational framework of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, including the coaching and management personnel, will be disclosed in the future.

CPL 2024 Set To Kick Off On August 28

The upcoming 2024 CPL season will feature six franchises: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago. The T20 tournament is scheduled to be played from August 28 to October 6 in the Caribbean Islands.

Antigua will host CPL matches for the first time in a decade, with additional games scheduled in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago. The final of the upcoming tournament will be held at the National Stadium in Providence, Guyana.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will enter the tournament as the defending champions. The franchise secured their first CPL title by defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders with a nine-wicket victory in the previous season’s final.

Also read: “Had I not fought with Gautam Gambhir in 2013, maybe I would have played for another two-three years” – Manoj Tiwary