The Kingsmen group have acquired the Jamaica-based team ahead of the Caribbean Premier League 2026.
The Jamaica Kingsmen will replace Jamaica Tallawahs, defunct since 2023, in the CPL, starting from the 2026 season. The move marks the island’s return to the tournament, with Sabina Park also set to host four matches of the upcoming campaign, set to run from August 15 to September 22. This would be the first time since 2019 that CPL will be played in Jamaica.
The Kingsmen had also added the Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen in the HBL Pakistan Super League to their growing list of cricketing portfolio, and also own the Chicago Kingsmen in the USA’s Minor League Cricket. The acquisition continues Kingsmen’s track record of bringing cricket back to local communities, with cricket enjoying a long and proud history in Jamaica.
Some of the greatest names in the sport’s history hail from the island, including George Headley, Michael Holding, Courtney Walsh, and Chris Gayle. The revival of Jamaica’s CPL franchise will celebrate that history while ensuring the team is relevant to its current fans.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the CPL back to Jamaica in 2026,” CPL CEO Pete Russell said while announcing the return of the league to the island. “Jamaica has a rich cricketing heritage and an unmistakable energy that makes it one of the most special destinations in the region. The return of a Jamaican franchise and matches at Sabina Park is something fans have been calling for, and we’re delighted to be working closely with the Government of Jamaica to make this happen.”
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Despite not featuring since 2023, the Tallawahs remain the second-most successful team in CPL history, after Trinbago Knight Riders, with three titles, including the inaugural crown in 2013, followed by 2016 and 2022. They also finished outside the top four just twice in 11 seasons, making the playoffs on the other nine occasions.
The Jamaica Tallawahs’ previous owners had sold the team to the CPL ahead of the 2024 season and moved their base to Antigua, launching the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.
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