CPL 2023: Trinbago Knight Riders, Saint Lucia Kings announce retentions

The Caribbean Premier League 2023 will begin from August 17 and the most successful franchise of the tournament, Trinbago Knight Riders, as well as St Lucia Kings have announced their retentions. The four-time champions Knight Riders have retained Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, captain Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran while bowlers Akeal Hosein and Jayden Seales have also been held back. They will also have Mark Deyal joining their team as he makes the shift from St Lucia Kings.

In May, the Knight Riders announced that Dwayne Bravo will also be returning to the franchise for CPL 2023. Head coach Phil Simmons expressed his delight and said that the retentions has helped the franchise to build a strong core squad.

"We are very happy to be able to retain most of the Caribbean players from last year's TKR squad. The experience of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran coupled with Dwayne Bravo's return gives our squad a very strong core. In youngsters like Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, and Mark Deyal, we have some of the best young talent from Trinidad representing TKR,” head coach Phil Simmons was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Knight Riders further had the likes of Maheesh Theekshana and Colin Munro as their overseas signings in 2022. However, their continuation in the franchise will become clear during the overseas signings and draft picks that will be announced in late June.

"We're looking forward to the remaining international signings. I am excited by the player draft coming up soon to complete the roster and put together a strong squad for CPL 2023,” Simmons added.

Meanwhile, the Kings have retained Johnson Charles, Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase, Roshon Primus, Jeavor Royal, Matthew Forde, Mckenny Clarke. Furthermore, they have also secured the services of all-rounder Khary Pierre who has been transferred from the Knight Riders. 

Kings, who finished third in the league stage before being knocked out by Jamaica Tallawahs in the Eliminator last year, will start their campaign against the same side in the tournament opener on August 17 this year. Meanwhile, after finishing at the bottom of the table in 2022, the Knight Riders will look for a roaring comeback in the upcoming season. They will start their campaign on August 19 against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.