Mohd Amir, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman. (Photo Source: X/Twitter)
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is welcoming a new franchise this year, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, replacing the disbanded Jamaica Tallawahs. The Falcons have made a big statement with their initial signings, bringing in a trio of Pakistani stars, Mohammad Amir, Fakhar Zaman and Imad Wasim.
Amir, the 32-year-old left-arm pacer, headlines the contingent after a career that includes 333 T20 wickets and was part of Pakistan’s 2017 ICC Champions Trophy winning team. His pace and ability to move the ball will be a major asset for the new franchise.
Joining Amir is the opener Fakhar Zaman, whose heroics in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy campaign are still fresh in memories. The 34-year-old left-hander has an ODI double century under his belt and will be looking to translate his explosive batting in the upcoming CPL.
The all-round skills of Imad, add valuable depth to the Falcons’ lineup. Imad’s economical left-arm spin and ability to bat have made him a T20 stalwart around the globe. His experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable for the new franchise.
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Alongside the Pakistani stars, the Falcons have assembled a solid core group featuring West Indian internationals Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Shamar Springer. Australian off-spinner Chris Green and Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai add further variety to the line-up.
In an exciting development for local cricket, the Falcons have also signed 17-year-old batting prodigy Jewel Andrew to their initial 12-man squad after his performances for the West Indies U19s earlier this year.
The new Antigua & Barbuda Falcons team in the CPL takes the place of the Jamaica Tallawahs. In the first two CPL seasons, Antigua was home to the Antigua Hawksbills, a CPL team that was overtaken in 2015 by the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. The CPL in 2024 will run from August 28 to October 6, with games held in Antigua for the first time in a decade.
The new Antigua & Barbuda Falcons team in the CPL takes the place of the Jamaica Tallawahs. In the first two CPL seasons, Antigua was home to the Antigua Hawksbills, a CPL team that was overtaken in 2015 by the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. The CPL in 2024 will run from August 28 to October 6, with games held in Antigua for the first time in a decade.
Also read: St Kitts & Nevis Patriots sign Wanindu Hasaranga and Rilee Rossouw
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons squad:
Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, Hayden Walsh Jr, Shamar Springer, Kelvin Pitman, Jewel Andrew, Joshua James