As the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) enters its 12th season, cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the thrilling action. The tournament, starting on Friday, August 30, promises to showcase top-level T20 cricket, featuring renowned players from the Caribbean and beyond.
While familiar stars like Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine are expected to steal the show, a fresh generation of talent is also stepping into the spotlight. These emerging players are not only the future of the CPL but could soon play crucial roles in the West Indies cricket team.
Here’s a look at five promising players who are set to make a big impact in CPL 2024.
1. Jewel Andrew (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons)
At just 17, Jewel Andrew is already creating waves with his exceptional talent. Known for scoring five consecutive centuries in a school league and leading the Leeward Islands Under-15 team, Andrew is one of the most exciting prospects in this year’s CPL. If he makes his debut before the playoffs, he could break Nicholas Pooran’s record as the youngest player in CPL history, currently standing at 17 years and 300 days.
Earlier this year, Andrew was the top scorer for the West Indies in the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, where he scored 207 runs in four innings, with an average of 69.00 and a strike rate of 109.52. His impressive run continued in the Cool & Smooth T20 tournament in Antigua and Barbuda, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 323 runs in nine innings. Adding to his value, Andrew can also keep wickets, making him a key player for the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.
2. Matthew Forde (St Lucia Kings)
Matthew Forde, 22, may be a familiar name, but his potential is still unfolding. Having already broken into the West Indies T20I squad, Forde has played in various franchise leagues such as the Lanka Premier League, Pakistan Super League, and Global T20 Canada. A standout performance in CPL 2024 could further cement his place in the West Indies white-ball teams and attract attention from IPL scouts.
Sharing a birthday with T20 legend Andre Russell, Forde has shaped his game after the superstar. His talent was first noticed by former West Indies pacer Pedro Collins, who recommended him to St Lucia Kings coach Daren Sammy. Known for swinging the new ball, Forde is a vital asset for the Kings this season, and his contributions could be key to their success.
3. Nathan Edward (Trinbago Knight Riders)
Nathan Edward, a left-arm fast bowler from Sint Maarten, is ready to play a crucial role for the Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL 2024. The team, known for their preference for left-arm seamers, has found a promising local talent in Edward, who fits perfectly into their strategy. Having played in two Under-19 World Cups, Edward is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Edward’s experience extends beyond the Caribbean, as he was part of the Bahawalpur Royals’ championship-winning campaign in the Pakistan Junior League in 2022. There, he was mentored by Imran Tahir, a relationship that could be invaluable as Edward now faces Tahir in the CPL. With a contract secured with the Leeward Islands Hurricanes franchise, Edward is expected to be a key player for the Knight Riders this season.
4. Isai Thorne (Barbados Royals)
Isai Thorne, turning 20 this September, is another young fast bowler ready to shine in CPL 2024. Set for his first full season with the Barbados Royals after overcoming injuries, Thorne is poised for a more significant role this year. Though he had a brief stint with the Amazon Warriors on a development scholarship last year, this season presents a greater opportunity for him.
Thorne’s pace will complement the slower deliveries of Obed McCoy, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Jason Holder in the Royals’ bowling attack. His performance in the 2023-24 Super 50 competition was notable, as he debuted in List A cricket for Combined Campuses and Colleges and finished as their joint second-highest wicket-taker. After spending time with the West Indies Test team as a development player, Thorne’s future in international cricket looks bright.
5. Kelvin Pitman (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons)
Kelvin Pitman, a fast bowler with raw pace, is one of the rising stars in Caribbean cricket. He made a memorable debut in CPL 2023 with the Jamaica Tallawahs, where he took 3 for 27, including the wickets of Mark Deyal, Nicholas Pooran, and Kieron Pollard. His debut performance earned him a spot in the West Indies Academy team, where he continued to improve his skills.
In CPL 2024, Pitman will represent his home team, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, after being signed as a pre-draft selection. In preparation for the tournament, Pitman has been training with Rayad Emrit, a former West Indies all-rounder and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots captain. With his abilities further sharpened, Pitman is expected to be one of the standout performers this season.
