ANTIGUA, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA - AUGUST 29: Teddy Bishop of Antigua and Barbuda Falcons is bowled by Anrich Nortje of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match between Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground on August 29, 2024 in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda. (Photo by Ashley Allen - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has always been a vibrant display of cricketing talent and island culture, and the ongoing 2024 season is set to introduce a new and exciting chapter with the inclusion of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. This newly established franchise is poised to make waves, replacing the Jamaica Tallawahs, one of the league’s original teams. Here’s an in-depth look at the origins, squad, home venue, ownership, and other major details that define the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons as they prepare for their inaugural season.
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons were officially founded on February 21, 2024, marking the return of a cricket franchise based in Antigua after a decade-long absence. The last time the island hosted a CPL team was in the league’s early years, with the Antigua Hawksbills. However, the Hawksbills struggled to find success on the field, winning only three matches across two seasons before being replaced by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2015.
The creation of the Falcons represents a new era for cricket in Antigua. The team was unveiled in a grand ceremony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, a venue steeped in history and named after one of the greatest cricketers of all time. The stadium, located in Sugar Factory, Saint George, will serve as the Falcons’ home ground, promising to bring top-tier CPL action back to Antiguan soil.
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have assembled a formidable squad for their debut season, mixing seasoned international stars with promising local talent. The team will be led by Brandon King, a dynamic West Indian batsman known for his explosive batting at the top of the order. King’s leadership will be crucial as the Falcons aim to make an immediate impact in the CPL.
This is Antigua & Barbuda Falcons’ squad for the 2024 CPL:
The team’s depth and versatility are clear, and under the guidance of their coach, cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, they are expected to be strong contenders from the outset. Chanderpaul’s vast experience, both as a player and coach, will be invaluable in nurturing the team’s potential and instilling a winning mentality.
The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium will be the epicenter of the Falcons’ CPL campaign. With a seating capacity of 10,000, it offers an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere for cricket fans. The stadium has previously hosted international matches, and its return as a CPL venue will reignite the passion of local fans who have been eagerly waiting for the return of franchise cricket to Antigua.
The choice of this venue not only honors Sir Vivian Richards but also connects the new team with Antigua’s rich cricketing heritage. The Falcons will aim to make the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium a fortress, drawing on the energy of their home crowd to drive their performances.
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons are owned by Worldwide Sports Management Group, a sports management company led by businessman Kris Persaud. Persaud’s vision for the Falcons is ambitious, aiming to build a team that is not only successful on the field but also has a significant impact off it. In his statements during the team’s unveiling, Persaud emphasized the importance of creating a strong winning culture within the team and fostering a deep connection with the fans.
Persaud’s leadership and investment in the Falcons indicate a long-term commitment to establishing the franchise as a major player in the CPL. His partnership with Chanderpaul, a revered figure in West Indian cricket, is a strategic move that aligns the team’s cricketing philosophy with its broader goals of excellence and community engagement.
The inclusion of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in the CPL 2024 is a significant development for the league. The number of participating teams remains six but introduces a fresh dynamic to the competition. The departure of the Jamaica Tallawahs, a founding CPL franchise, to make way for the Falcons was a bold move, but it reflects the league’s evolving nature and its efforts to keep the tournament competitive and geographically diverse.
The CPL 2024 season will run from August 28 to October 6, with matches held across various Caribbean nations, including Antigua, for the first time in ten years. The Falcons’ matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium are expected to be a highlight of the tournament as local fans and visitors alike gather to witness the dawn of a new era in Antiguan cricket.
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons are set to bring renewed energy and excitement to the Caribbean Premier League. With a strong squad, iconic home venue, and visionary ownership, the Falcons are well-positioned to make an immediate impact in their debut season. As the cricketing world turns its attention to the Caribbean in 2024, all eyes will be on the Falcons to see if they can skyrocket to new heights and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in CPL history.
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