THE Caribbean Premier League (CPL) yesterday announced that St Kitts and Nevis has joined the upcoming tournament with its very own franchise team.

This new team is the result of strong support from the Government of St Kitts and Nevis as well as support from the local business community who are keen to enjoy the benefits of hosting a CPL team of their own.

Based on last year’s success, this announcement is sure to deliver even greater value for St Kitts and Nevis, as the tournament is beamed to an ever increasing TV audience around the world.

St Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Sports Glenn Phillip said: “Last year the Government of St Kitts and Nevis was delighted to support the CPL by hosting the semi-finals and final, as well as a series of neutral games. That partnership reaped great rewards as St Kitts and Nevis enjoyed a significant return on investment. Overall the economy benefited to the tune of $26m, which comfortably exceeded our expectations.”

He further stated: “Hosting the games highlighted that St Kitts and Nevis is home to some of the most passionate cricket fans in the region and having our own franchise team here will be a source of great pride for the people of St Kitts and Nevis whilst also benefiting local businesses, as fans from around the region and overseas make the journey to watch the games at the Warner Park Stadium.

“CPL is watched by millions of fans worldwide and with St Kitts and Nevis having its own team, it will allow us to showcase all that is great about our federation”.

CPL COO Pete Russell said: “We have had a wonderful relationship with the Government since we first started planning for CPL games in 2014 and we are delighted that we are now able to bring a team to St Kitts and Nevis. This is a fantastic opportunity for the country as fans get the opportunity to support their own team – we all look forward to the unrivalled passion that will again be evident at the Warner Park Stadium this season.

“It is also great news for local businesses who will benefit enormously from the economic impact of hosting a CPL team as well as for the local development of young players, who we believe will become inspired by the opportunity to represent the St Kitts and Nevis team in future years. We wish the team every success in 2015 and are delighted that St Kitts and Nevis are now part of the CPL family,” concluded Russell.