PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Regional carrier Caribbean Airlines has partnered with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to become the official airline of the tournament, organisers have announced.

The Trinidad-based airline will be responsible for transporting all teams and officials who will be participating in games and events, both in the Caribbean and the United States.

For the first time this year, CPL has scheduled matches outside of the region in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a city serviced by Caribbean Airlines.

“Caribbean Airlines understands the value of sport to the Caribbean and cricket has always been a uniting force for both teams and fans within the region,” said acting chief executive officer, Colville Harrington.

“CPL matches will be held on various days throughout the Caribbean and for the first time, matches will be played in Fort Lauderdale at the Central Broward Stadium from July 28th to 31st. CAL is delighted to support this exciting tournament”.

The fourth season of the CPL is set to run from June 29 to August 7 and will see 34 games being played throughout the duration of the tournament.

Once again, the tournament features six franchises – reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Jamaica Tallawahs, challenging for the title of regional Twenty20 kings.

CPL’s commercial director, James Stewart, described air travel in the Caribbean as “notoriously challenging” and said Caribbean Airlines would be an asset in this regard.

“Getting around the islands of the Caribbean is notoriously challenging and we rely heavily on the friendly and reliable services of our airline partner,” Stewart said.

“With the League now hosting games in Fort Lauderdale, CAL are for the first time taking our players to the USA, and I am sure many fans will be flying the “CPL Express” for the matches there.”

Knight Riders play St Lucia Zouks in the opening game of the tournament next Wednesday at Queen’s Park Oval here.