Mohammad Rizwan has agreed to join St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the remainder of the Caribbean Premier League 2025 (CPL), with official confirmation expected from the league within 24 hours.
Rizwan, the former Pakistan T20I captain, has been signed as a replacement for fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, who will join Afghanistan ahead of the tri-series in the UAE involving Pakistan and the UAE.
It is unclear if Rizwan will feature in the Patriots’ Thursday clash against Barbados Royals. However, with Pakistan leaving him out of their T20 squad for both the tri-series and the Asia Cup, he is free to participate. The issuance of a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the PCB is expected to be a formality.
This marks Rizwan’s first appearance in the CPL and strengthens the growing Pakistani presence in the tournament. Earlier on Thursday, leg-spinner Usama Mir signed for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. The Patriots already have fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Abbas Afridi, while Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, and Salman Irshad are also part of this year’s competition.
The signing means Rizwan will reach his limit of two overseas T20 leagues, as per PCB rules for centrally contracted players within a 12-month period starting in July. Earlier in 2025, he joined Melbourne Renegades for the Big Bash League.
The Patriots, who won the CPL in 2017 and 2021, had a challenging start to this season. After a win in their opening match, they suffered three consecutive defeats, leaving them second from bottom on the points table. Rizwan’s inclusion could provide a much-needed boost to their batting and help them turn their campaign around.
