The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 is all set to return with a fresh look and an expanded competition after the completion of the official domestic player draft in May 2026. The upcoming edition of the tournament will be played from 7 August to 20 September 2026, featuring seven franchises battling for the coveted CPL title.
This year's draft was one of the most significant in the tournament's history as it marked the arrival of the new franchise Jamaica Kingsmen and the return of the iconic Barbados Tridents name after the Barbados Royals rebrand was dropped.
With the domestic draft now complete, franchises have finalized the backbone of their squads before announcing their overseas signings.
CPL 2026 Draft Highlights
- Tournament: Caribbean Premier League 2026
- Draft Completed: May 2026
- Season Dates: 7 August – 20 September 2026
- Total Teams: 7
- New Franchise: Jamaica Kingsmen
- Returning Franchise Name: Barbados Tridents
- Overseas Players: To be signed separately through direct negotiations
CPL 2026 Squad Rules Explained
Each franchise will register a 17-member squad for the 2026 season.
Squad Composition
- 9 Senior West Indies Players
- 5 Overseas Players
- 3 Breakout Players
Breakout Player Rules
- Teams were allowed to retain only one Breakout player before the draft.
- Every franchise must field at least one Breakout player in the playing XI in every match.
- Overseas players are not selected in the draft and will join teams through direct negotiations.
Special Draft Rule for Jamaica Kingsmen
As the newest franchise in the Caribbean Premier League, Jamaica Kingsmen received a unique advantage during the draft.
The franchise was awarded the first three selections of the domestic draft, with all three picks being restricted to Jamaican players. This ensured the team could establish a strong local identity before completing the remainder of its squad.
Caribbean Premier League 2026 Draft: Complete Domestic Squads
Trinbago Knight Riders Squad
- Sunil Narine
- Nicholas Pooran
- Kieron Pollard
- Akeal Hosein
- Justin Greaves
- Dominic Drakes
- Jyd Goolie
- Dexter Sween
- Terrance Hinds
- Nathan Edward
- Joshua Da Silva
- Abdul-Raheem Toppin
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Squad
- Johnson Charles
- Jason Holder
- Kyle Mayers
- Andre Fletcher
- Kevin Wickham
- Obed McCoy
- Ashmead Nedd
- Jeremiah Louis
- Alick Athanaze
- Micah McKenzie
- Navin Bidaisee
- Mikyle Louis
Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Romario Shepherd
- Shai Hope
- Khary Pierre
- Shamar Joseph
- Ronaldo Alimohamed
- Veerasammy Permaul
- Matthew Nandu
- Jonathan Van Lange
- Mavendra Dindyal
- Isai Thorne
- Quentin Sampson
Saint Lucia Kings Squad
- Roston Chase
- Jewel Andrew
- Matthew Forde
- Kamil Pooran
- Darren Nedd
- McKenny Clarke
- Joshua Bishop
- Damion Joachim
- Keon Gaston
- Amari Goodridge
- Johann Jeremiah
- Ackeem Auguste
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Squad
- Alzarri Joseph
- Evin Lewis
- Fabian Allen
- Jayden Seales
- Amir Jangoo
- Shamar Springer
- Jahmar Hamilton
- Rahkeem Cornwall
- Anderson Phillip
- Karima Gore
- Anderson Mahase
- Joshua James
Barbados Tridents Squad
- Gudakesh Motie
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Brandon King
- Zachary Carter
- Kadeem Alleyne
- Ramon Simmonds
- Shadrack Descarte
- Rivaldo Clarke
- Zishan Motara
- Jakeem Pollard
- Johann Layne
- Kofi James
Jamaica Kingsmen Squad
- Rovman Powell
- Andre Russell
- Keemo Paul
- Keacy Carty
- Jediah Blades
- Shaqkere Parris
- Odean Smith
- Vitel Lawes
- Romaine Morris
- Kirk McKenzie
- Kelvin Pitman
- Jeavor Royal
Biggest Winners from the CPL 2026 Draft
Trinbago Knight Riders Continue with Star Power
The Knight Riders have retained an experienced Caribbean core featuring Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard and Akeal Hosein, making them one of the strongest domestic squads heading into the tournament.
Jamaica Kingsmen Begin a New Era
The league's newest franchise has assembled an exciting local group led by Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Keemo Paul and Keacy Carty, giving fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic ahead of their debut CPL campaign.
Barbados Tridents Return
After competing under the Barbados Royals identity, the franchise officially returns as the Barbados Tridents, reviving one of the most recognizable names in Caribbean cricket.
What Happens Next?
With the domestic draft completed, all seven franchises will now finalize their five overseas signings before announcing their complete 17-player squads.
The overseas additions are expected to include several international T20 stars, making CPL 2026 one of the strongest editions of the tournament.
