BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Last year’s sole hosts St Kitts and Nevis will now stage seven matches during the upcoming Caribbean Premier League, organisers said Monday.

Four of the seven fixtures will involve the Basseterre-based franchise St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who captured last year’s tournament by beating St Lucia Zouks in a dramatic final at Warner Park.

“The hosting of the CPL in its entirety in 2021 in St Kitts & Nevis proved a success in every way for our people,” said St Kitts and Nevis Sports Minister Jonel Powell.

“Tremendous direct economic gains were made in our economy and to individuals at a difficult time due to the pandemic.

“Our people were able to receive some much-needed COVID relief socially through the amazing matches, and our very own St Kitts & Nevis Patriots won its first CPL title in the most dramatic style.

“This is why we are very pleased to partner with CPL once again as a host venue for their 2022 edition, and to have the opportunity to see our Patriots defend their title right here at historic Warner Park.”

Having been excellent hosts in 2021 amid the ongoing pandemic, CPL’s chief executive Pete Russell said it is only fitting for St Kitts to once again play a key role in the August 30 to September 30 tournament.

The twin-island state will be one of four countries to host matches — with St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana already announced to stage fixtures for the tenth edition of the carnival-like Twenty20 affair.

“The 2021 Hero CPL was an enormous success, and we are hugely grateful to the Government and people of St Kitts & Nevis who were fabulous hosts,” Russell said.

“Warner Park is a fantastic venue and we are very excited to be back there as the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots get their championship defence underway in front of a home crowd.”

Multiple-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders, Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs are the other competing franchises.