CPL 2026: St. Lucia Kings unveil power-packed squad

Saint Lucia Kings have locked in a formidable spin core and retained proven firepower at the top, unveiling a balanced five-man overseas contingent ahead of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season.

The big news out of the Kings camp is the heavy investment in subcontinental spin. Afghanistan’s teenage prodigy Noor Ahmad returns to lead the slow-bowling department, fresh off another year of globetrotting success.

Noor’s ability to turn the ball both ways in the middle overs will be complemented by the high-class mystery spin of Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana.

Theekshana’s knack for bowling demanding spells in the Powerplay gives the Kings a lethal tactical edge on pitches that historically offer assistance to the slower bowlers as the tournament progresses.

Sri Lankan flavour dominates the squad this year, with national white-ball star Charith Asalanka also joining the roster.

Asalanka gives the middle order a much-needed left-handed anchor who can shift gears seamlessly, providing the tactical flexibility the Kings have occasionally lacked in high-pressure chases.

With the bat, the Kings have ensured continuity by retaining New Zealand’s Tim Seifert.

The destructive wicketkeeper-batter has been a linchpin for the franchise in recent seasons, and his ability to dismantle bowling attacks in the first six overs remains central to the Kings’ aggressive blueprint.

Rounding out the overseas slots is USA’s pace bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk.

The experienced seamer brings a wealth of variations and a reputation for nailing awkward lengths, offering essential support to a local pace attack that features the likes of Matthew Forde and McKenny Clarke.

Combined with a domestic core featuring the experienced Roston Chase, rising wicketkeeping talent Jewel Andrew, and a crop of promising youngsters like Ackeem Auguste, the Kings look to have built a squad capable of making a deep run in 2026. (Modified Press Release) 

Saint Lucia Kings: Tim Seifert, Charith Asalanka, Noor Ahmad, Maheesh Theekshana, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Roston Chase, Jewel Andrew, Matthew Forde, Kamil Pooran, Darron Nedd, McKenny Clarke, Joshua Bishop, Damion Joachim, Keon Gaston,  Amari Goodridge, Johann Jeremiah, Ackeem Auguste, McKenny Clarke.