DESPITE entering through the acquisition of Jamaica’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise, Kingsmen Sports Enterprise owner Fawad Sarwar says he’s firmly committed to developing Jamaica’s cricket and contributing to the wider economy.

Following the Jamaica Observer’s report in February, Pakistani-born Sarwar made his first public appearance on Jamaican soil on Tuesday since the US-based Kingsmen were confirmed as the new owners of the T20 franchise who make a return after a two-year hiatus.

During a symbolic signing at the Jamaica Pegasus which included Government, CPL executives and Cricket West Indies, Sarwar revealed the team will be named the Jamaica Kingsmen, replacing the Tallawahs name which was used during the franchise’s three title wins.

While aiming to be competitive during the CPL, Sarwar says it wants Jamaica to thrive in all aspects.

“We came here for the right purposes so whatever it will take for us to have an absolute really good and strong foundation, we will do [it] and then we can work moving forward.”

“I think that is also going to help a lot to the community and the econom, as well, so we’re very aware of what our responsibilities are not only as far as the investment is concerned but making sure those investments are sustainable and are here for the long term for the people and the community around us.”

Jamaica will also create history this summer by debuting a women’s team for the four-team tournament, which currently consists of Guyana, Trinidad and Barbados.

“I’ve always wanted to be in and contribute to women’s sports, as well, so that’s part of it,” he said. “I have two older sisters, wife and a daughter as well — I’m pretty sure eventually they’ll ask me a question: What have you done for us? So I want to make sure I keep things relaxed at home.”

“But in all seriousness, the women absolutely deserve this type of investment to come in. We need to encourage our women and our mothers and daughters and sisters to kind of come in and have something that they can relate to.”

Previous franchise owners Kris Persaud cited a lack of government support in their departure and starting a new franchise in Antigua and Barbuda.

Sports Minister Olivia Grange says it was difficult to commit to the CPL in the past, but that all the relevant bodies are now on-board to make Jamaica Kingsmen a success.

“I’m not easily pushed into an arrangement that we’re not satisfied with, so I would say we’re comfortable. We are going to do everything to make it work,” she said. “I’ve been able to bring everybody on-board because I made the point to the stakeholders that you all want to see cricket back here in Jamaica — you want to see CPL back, you want to see cricket grow so if you want that, you have to work with Government.”

“We’re partners, it’s not you versus Government. It’s all of us working together so I’ve got the Jamaica Cricket Association on-board, I’ve got Kingston Cricket Club on-board and I’ve got all the other stakeholders. So the many voices in the past who were critical of Government indicating that Government did not support cricket, they’re now saying something different because we are working together.”

The 2026 season is set to get under way in August with Sabina Park set to host four games between the 11th and the 18th which is set to include a clash with Trinbago Knight Riders.

The technical staff is set to be confirmed in the coming weeks while the players will be selected during the draft which is understood to be in June.

The Observer previously reported that Jamaican stars Andre Russell, Rovman Powell and Brandon King will be target by the Kingsmen.