St Lucia kings secure top USA batter as CPL 2024 squads finalize

Aaron Jones' stellar performance for the USA at the T20 World Cup 2024 has secured him a contract in the CPL. Jones, eligible as a local player through his Barbados passport, was signed by St Lucia Kings in Monday's draft for the 2024 season, which runs from August 29 to October 4.

Jones impressed with 94 not out against Canada on the World Cup's opening night and contributed a crucial 36 not out in the USA's tie against Pakistan, which they won in the Super Over. He has prior experience in West Indies' regional cricket for Barbados and Combined Campuses and Colleges and was part of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots squad in CPL 2019, though he didn't play.

Most of the CPL 2024 franchises had completed their recruiting through retentions and pre-signings. Kyle Mayers was the first pick in Monday's draft, joining the Patriots. Mikyle Louis, who made his Test debut at Lord's last week, will also play for the Patriots alongside Ryan John and Veerasammy Permaul.

Fast bowler Isai Thorne, who represented West Indies in the last two Under-19 World Cups, has been signed by Barbados Royals. He is currently in the UK with the West Indies Test squad as a net bowler and "development player." The Royals have also drafted Kadeem Alleyne and Nathan Sealy.

Raymon Reifer, who played T20I cricket for West Indies last year, joined Guyana Amazon Warriors along with Ronaldo Alimohamed and Matthew Nandu. Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Mikkel Govia, and Akeem Auguste are part of the Kings' squad alongside Jones.

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, replacing Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2024, have signed Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop, and Kofi James. Trinbago Knight Riders have added Nathan Edward and Shaquere Parris to their emerging player spots.

CPL 2024 squads

Barbados Royals: Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Maheesh Theekshana, Alick Athanaze, Naveen-ul-Haq, Obed McCoy, Kevin Wickham, Keshav Maharaj, Kadeem Alleyne, Rahkeem Cornwall, Isai Thorne, Nathan Sealy, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke, Ramon Simmonds

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Saim Ayub, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, Azam Khan, Gudakesh Motie, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Kevin Sinclair, Raymon Reifer, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Shamar Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu, Junior Sinclair

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: Imad Wasim, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, Fakhar Zaman, Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Hayden Walsh, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop, Kofi James, Shamar Springer, Kelvin Pitman, Jewel Andrew, Joshua James

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Kyle Mayers, Wanindu Hasaranga, Rilee Rossouw, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Sikandar Raza, Nuwan Thushara, Andre Fletcher, Tristan Stubbs, Dominic Drakes, Mikyle Louis, Odean Smith, Joshua da Silva, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan John, Ashmead Nedd, Johann Layne

St Lucia Kings: Heinrich Klaasen, Faf du Plessis, Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Noor Ahmad, David Wiese, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Matthew Forde, Aaron Jones, Khary Pierre, Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Shadrack Descarte, Mikkel Govia, McKenny Clarke, Akeem Auguste

Trinbago Knight Riders: Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Tim David, Akeal Hosein, Jason Roy, Dwayne Bravo, Josh Little, Waqar Salamkheil, Jayden Seales, Ali Khan, Mark Deyal, Keacy Carty, Terrence Hinds, Nathan Edward, Shaquere Parris