Jamaica’s returning Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise has been officially named the Jamaica Kingsmen, marking the island’s return to the regional T20 competition after a two-year absence.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Tuesday at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.
According to the Jamaica Observer, the new ownership group, Kingsmen Sports Enterprise, had considered keeping the previous team name, the Jamaica Tallawahs. However, owner Fawad Sarwar confirmed that the Kingsmen name was ultimately chosen and received approval from both the CPL and the Jamaican government.
Welcome, the Jamaica Kingsmen!🇯🇲
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is proud to officially confirm that the newest franchise will be known as the Jamaica Kingsmen.#CPL26 #JamaicaKingsmen #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/MU7f27Ibrp
— CPL T20 (@CPL) March 31, 2026
Sarwar also revealed plans to launch a women’s team, which will compete in a four-team tournament this summer.
Government officials expressed strong support for the franchise. Sports Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said the government intends to provide long-term backing to the Kingsmen organization.
The CPL confirmed earlier this week that Sabina Park will host four matches this year, marking the league’s return to Jamaica for the first time since 2019. The 2026 CPL season is scheduled to run from early August through September 21.
The franchise’s previous owner, Kris Persaud, had sold the team back to the CPL due to financial challenges linked to a lack of government support.
Sarwar’s group also owns the Hyderabad Kingsmen franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The team was acquired during an auction at the Jinnah Convention Centre on January 8, where Kingsmen (FKS Group) secured the rights with a bid of Rs1.75 billion ($6,247,500).
The Kingsmen Cricket Club continues to expand globally, with a presence in the United States through the Chicago Kingsmen in Minor League Cricket, and growing operations in Pakistan focused on developing facilities and talent.
In the current PSL season, Sarwar’s Hyderabad Kingsmen, led by Marnus Labuschagne, have had a slow start, losing their first two matches to defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans.
