In a significant announcement for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the unveiling of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons franchise took place, marking a fresh addition to the league. Worldwide Sports Management Group, the franchise owners, officially introduced the team during an inaugural ceremony held on Tuesday, February 20, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, slated to be their home turf.
Krishna Persaud, the founder and president of Worldwide Sports Management Group, expressed enthusiasm about the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons joining the CPL fold. “The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will inject a distinctive energy and enthusiasm into the Republic Bank CPL,” Persaud stated. “Our aim is to cultivate a culture of winning within the team, both on and off the field, fostering success among every member associated with the franchise and the passionate fans who will support us at our home base in the picturesque Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.”
Notably, Antigua had previously hosted a CPL franchise known as the Antigua Hawksbills during the league’s early seasons. However, the team’s performance was not stellar, leading to its replacement by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2015.
With the introduction of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, Jamaica will not host any CPL matches in the 2024 season. However, efforts are underway to establish a Jamaica-based franchise, with plans tentatively set for 2025 or later. Sabina Park in Jamaica last hosted a CPL match in 2019, with CPL CEO Pete Russell expressing disappointment over the island’s lack of cricket engagement.
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will disclose further details about their structure, as well as the coaching and management lineup, at a later stage.
The 2024 CPL season is scheduled to run from August 28 to October 6, with matches being held in Antigua for the first time in a decade. Other venues include Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago, with the National Stadium in Providence, Guyana, slated to host the final showdown.
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