Wed | Apr 1, 2026

From Tallawahs to Kingsmen

Published:Wednesday | April 1, 2026 | 12:08 AM
Fabian Allen (centre) of Jamaica Tallawahs celebrates after getting the wicket of Roston Chase of St Lucia Kings during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 eliminator match at Providence Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana, on September 19, 2023.
Ashley Allen - CPL T20
Fabian Allen (centre) of Jamaica Tallawahs celebrates after getting the wicket of Roston Chase of St Lucia Kings during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 eliminator match at Providence Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana, on September 19, 2023.

When the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) begins in 2026, the Jamaican franchise involved will be known as the Jamaica Kingsmen, marking an exciting new chapter for cricket in the region.

According to the CPL, “The Jamaica Kingsmen will represent Jamaica in the CPL, bringing a fresh identity, renewed energy, and a strong commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

“The addition of the Kingsmen reinforces the CPL’s ongoing mission to grow the game across the Caribbean while celebrating the unique culture and passion of each territory.”

The franchise is owned by a US-based ownership group led by Fawad Sarwar, which also owns the Pakistan Super League (PSL) team of the same name. This cross-league ownership marks a significant step in strengthening global cricket connections and expanding the Kingsmen brand across major T20 competitions.

Pete Russell, CEO of the Republic Bank CPL, welcomed the new franchise: “We are thrilled to introduce the Jamaica Kingsmen to the CPL family. Jamaica has always been a powerhouse in Caribbean cricket, and this new team represents a bold step forward in building on that legacy. The involvement of an experienced international ownership group further highlights the growing global appeal of the CPL.”

Fawad Sarwar, owner of the Jamaica Kingsmen, added: “It is an honour to bring the Kingsmen brand to the Caribbean. Jamaica has a rich cricketing heritage and passionate fans, and we are committed to building a team that reflects that pride and competes at the highest level. We look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the CPL and to creating something truly special for the people of Jamaica in true Tallawah spirit.”

The ‘Tallawah spirit’ Sarwar speaks to refers to the name of the team when the island last had a franchise in the CPL.

The Jamaica Tallawahs won the CPL on two occasions before eventually moving their home games to the United States, citing a lack of support from the Jamaican Government.

Things took a turn for the worse, and the Tallawahs eventually folded.

The new franchise will be based in Kingston and will call Sabina Park its home ground, offering fans an electrifying matchday experience in one of the Caribbean’s most iconic cricket venues.