Tabraiz Shamsi and Anrich Nortje (Twitter)
The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have secured the services of South African cricketers, Tabraiz Shamsi and Anrich Nortje, as like-for-like replacements for Sri Lankan duo, Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thushara, ahead of the forthcoming Caribbean Premier League season commencing later this month.
Initially, both players were named in the 17-member roster and were poised to participate in the 12th edition of the esteemed tournament. However, the slingy pacer, Thushara, was ruled out of the entire India series due to a fractured thumb on his left hand, while all-rounder, Hasaranga, was sidelined after the first ODI with a hamstring injury. Both players require time to recover from their respective injuries, leading to their replacement by the South African internationals.
Playing in the CPL is no unfamiliar experience for Shamsi, who previously represented the Patriots from 2015 to 2018, amassing 27 appearances and claiming 33 wickets at a miserly economy rate of 7.06. Shamsi will be joining a spin-heavy lineup featuring Veerasammy Permaul and Ashmead Nedd, both left-arm spinners, alongside Zimbabwean veteran, Sikandar Raza.
On the flip side, Nortje, who has yet to experience the CPL, will be eager to make his mark, drawing upon his extensive T20 expertise across various global leagues. Boasting an impressive record of 167 wickets in 129 matches, Nortje is poised to take the reins of the pace-bowling attack with great enthusiasm, eager to showcase his skills on this new stage.
Both players will be joined by fellow South African, Tristan Stubbs. The 23-year-old will be eager to make an impression, adding another layer of South African talent to the setup.
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots’ squad for CPL 2024:
Evin Lewis, Andre Fletcher, Rilee Rossouw, Mikyle Louis, Sherfane Rutherford, Tristan Stubbs, Sikandar Raza, Kyle Mayers, Joshua da Silva (wk), Dominic Drakes, Odean Smith, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan John, Ashmead Nedd, Johann Layne, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje
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