The Jamaica Observer can confirm that US-based businessman Fawad Sarwar will be the new owner of the Jamaican franchise in the Caribbean Premier League.

Pakistan-born Sarwar currently operates the FKS Group and Kingsmen Sports and Enterprise which owns the Hyderabad franchise in the Pakistan Super League and the Chicago Kingsmen in Minor League Cricket in the USA.

The CPL didn’t reveal the new owner of the Jamaican franchise when it confirmed the T20 tournament’s return to the island in a statement on Monday. However, the Observer understands that Sarwar’s takeover will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

Sarwar’s group beat a number of interested parties to the Jamaican franchise which has been inactive since 2023 following former owner Kris Persaud’s move to start the Falcons franchise in Antigua.

As first reported by ESPN Cricinfo, the GMR Group — co-owners of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) — were in advanced discussions but talks ultimately fell through.

CPL CEO Pete Russell, Cricket West Indies president Dr Kishore Shallow and Sports Minister Olivia Grange expressed excitement at the tournament’s return to Jamaica in a statement on Monday.

The tournament, set to run from early August to September 20, will see matches return to Sabina Park for the first time since 2019.

The Jamaica Tallawahs won the title in 2013, 2016 and 2022.

– Daniel Blake