Jamaica – CLP Returns to Jamaica, Franchise Held by Pakistani

2026-02-17 - 14:15

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is officially set to return to Jamaica, with United States-based businessman Fawad Sarwar confirmed as the new owner of the island’s franchise, the Jamaica Observer has learned. Pakistan-born Sarwar, who heads the FKS Group and Kingsmen Sports and Enterprise, expands his growing footprint in global cricket through the acquisition. His sports portfolio already includes ownership of the Hyderabad franchise in the Pakistan Super League and the Chicago Kingsmen in Minor League Cricket in the United States. Although the Caribbean Premier League did not initially disclose the new ownership when announcing the tournament’s return on Monday, sources indicate that Sarwar’s takeover is expected to be formally unveiled in the coming weeks. The Jamaican franchise has been inactive since 2023 following former owner Kris Persaud’s decision to launch the Falcons franchise in Antigua. Sarwar’s consortium reportedly outbid several interested parties for the rights, signaling renewed investment confidence in Jamaica’s cricket market. Earlier negotiations involving India’s GMR Group — co-owners of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League — ultimately collapsed, clearing the path for Sarwar’s successful bid. Officials welcomed the development, including CPL Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell, Cricket West Indies President Kishore Shallow, and Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, all of whom expressed optimism about the league’s return. Matches are scheduled to run from early August through September 20, with games returning to Sabina Park for the first time since 2019 — a major boost for local fans and the island’s sports tourism sector. Jamaica’s franchise, the Jamaica Tallawahs, remains one of the league’s most successful teams, having captured CPL titles in 2013, 2016, and 2022, and its revival is expected to reignite local excitement around T20 cricket.