Patriots sign South African duo Shamsi and Nortje for CPL 2024

The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have brought in South African cricketers Tabraiz Shamsi and Anrich Nortje as replacements for the injured Sri Lankan duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thushara ahead of the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season starting later this month.

Originally, both Hasaranga and Thushara were included in the Patriots' 17-member squad for the 12th edition of the CPL. However, injuries have ruled them out of the tournament. Thushara suffered a fractured thumb during the series against India, and Hasaranga was sidelined with a hamstring injury after the first ODI. With both players needing time to recover, the Patriots have opted to replace them with the experienced South African pair.

Tabraiz Shamsi is no stranger to the CPL, having previously played for the Patriots from 2015 to 2018. During that time, he took 33 wickets in 27 matches with an impressive economy rate of 7.06. Shamsi will strengthen the Patriots' spin department, joining forces with left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul and Ashmead Nedd, as well as Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza.

Anrich Nortje, on the other hand, will be making his CPL debut. The fast bowler has built a strong reputation in T20 leagues around the world, with 167 wickets in 129 matches. Nortje is expected to lead the Patriots' pace attack, bringing his speed and skill to the team.

The two South Africans will join their compatriot Tristan Stubbs, who is also part of the Patriots' lineup. At just 23 years old, Stubbs is eager to make his mark in the CPL alongside Shamsi and Nortje, adding even more South African flair to the team.