CPL unveil new franchise named Antigua and Barbuda Falcons

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have been unveiled as the newest franchise of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). They replaced Jamaica Tallawahs, which ceased to exist after the 2023 edition of the competition. Meanwhile, a gala opening ceremony was hosted by the new franchise owners at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, which will also serve as their home ground for the upcoming season of the league.

This historic also moment marks the return of top-level cricket to Antigua after a decade. It is understood that CPL has bought the Tallawahs franchise from its previous owners and remains committed to have a team based out of Jamaica by 2025, making the tournament a seven-team event, unless the management decides to add more teams.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica franchise was owned by Florida-based businessman Kris Persaud, who eventually bought the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. He expressed his inability to manage the Jamaica side and decided to own a new franchise for better profit.

“We are brand new; we are here, we are ready... let's get ready to play! The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will bring a unique energy and vitality to the CPL. We are ready to fly high and conquer what is before us. We want to establish a winner's culture within the team and also a culture of winning and success off the field - among every individual associated with this franchise and the amazing fans we will have at our special home base at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in lovely Antigua,” Persaud was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Persaud further added that Antigua is now their home and expects to create history in the coming times.

“Antigua is our home... This country has a rich cricket history and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will create more great history on these shores. It is now time for the Falcons to fly high,” he added.

Notably, the CPL 2024 is scheduled from August 28 to October 6. Antigua will host games for the first time in a decade as the final showdown will once again take place in Guyana at The National Stadium in Providence.