DESPITE being cited as a key factor in the 2023 departure of the Jamaica Tallawahs, Sports Minister Olivia Grange says the Government is now better positioned to support the new Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise and develop cricket locally.

The island makes a return to the region’s top Twenty20 (T20) tournament this summer — after a two-year hiatus — with the Jamaica Kingsmen, after the takeover by the American-based Kingsmen Sports Enterprise. Matches will also be hosted at Sabina Park in Kingston for the first time since 2019.

Previous owner Kris Persaud, who acquired the team in 2017, sold the franchise rights back to the CPL and started the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons ahead of the 2024 season.

In explaining his decision to leave Jamaica, Persaud said he, “could not continue to operate a franchise cricket team in a country where the Government refuses to provide any financial support for the tremendous economic and social benefits it receives from an event held on their behalf in and out of Jamaica”.

Almost three years on and the Government, through the sports and tourism ministries, was able to reach an agreement with CPL and the Kingsmen for the next five years.

Grange says it was always the intention for the Government to support Jamaica’s return to CPL.

“When we made the decision last time that we could not afford to bring CPL back to Jamaica, Government was criticised for it but we knew that in time we would be in a position to do so,” she said.

“Now, we have worked closely with the CPL and they have found a new franchise holder for the Jamaica T20, and Government is fully on board. So, this tripartite agreement is one that we expect to bear fruit. It’s over a period of three to five years, and the new franchise holder has expressed the same vision and objectives that we have.”

After seeing a breakdown in the relationship with Persaud, Grange says she’s already pleased with the Kingsmen executives, led by owner Fawad Sarwar.

“This franchise holder comes with a good name and a commitment, and I am very impressed with Mr Sarwar and his team,” she said. “We had several meetings and I’m satisfied that they will work towards delivering what they are committed to delivering — and, of course, we will work with them to create a lasting bond and to get the desired results.”

With the view that cricket is dying in the Caribbean, Grange says the Government, with the help of former players, plans to make a greater effort to boost its revival.

“The region is depending on Jamaica,” she said. “We want to bring cricket back to its former glory in the West Indies and we’re going to do what we can. We’re going to start at the basic school level — teach those little kids how to bat and bowl — and at the primary level we’re going into an intense programme.

“We’re going to bring back some of our established cricketers who have made their names and use them as inspiration. We’re going to involve Chris [Gayle], we’re going to involve Courtney Walsh, we’re going to involve others. And [though] Wavell Hinds is my Opposition spokesperson, [he] will be involved too. It’s not about a divided Jamaica — it’s about cricket and bringing it back to its former glory.”

Sports Minister Olivia Grange having a discussion with Kingsmen Sports Enterprise owner Fawad Sarwar during a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus on March 31, 2026 to reveal Jamaica’s return to the Caribbean Premier League. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Jamaica Tallawahs players celebrate the dismissal of Kyle Mayers of Barbados Royals during the Men’s Caribbean Premier League final at Providence Stadium in Guyana on September 30, 2022. (Photo: CPL via Getty Images)