Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2019 Preview and Schedule

Caribbean Premier League 2019 (CPL)

04 Sep - 14 Oct 2019

Caribbean

Caribbean Premier League 2019 (CPL) League Preview

The countdown for the 7th edition of the Caribbean Premier League has already started and punters around the world would be keeping a close watch on the tournament. There is no dearth of T20 leagues but this one is special thanks to the kind of excitement the players and fans bring to the game. Since the first season in 2013, it has been one of the most successful franchises T20 leagues in the world. CPL may not have the same viewership as the Indian Premier League or the Big Bash League but compensates that with competitive cricket. This isn’t surprising given the fact that the Caribbean islands are the de-facto powerhouse of T20 cricket boasting of the biggest crowd pullers.

Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks that replaces the old franchise St Lucia Stars would battle it out for the title. The tournament would see 34 T20 games being played in all starting September 4. The six teams would play 30 games in a double round-robin league format which would be followed by 4 games in the play-offs.

The games would be held at seven venues - Providence Stadium (Guyana), Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium (St Lucia), Warner Park (St Kitts), Kensington Oval (Barbados), Sabina Park (Jamaica) and Queen's Park Oval (Trinidad) which would host the home games. Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad will host the all-important title clash on October 12 to crown the new champions of the league.

Caribbean Premier League has grown both in stature and the level of competitive cricket over the last six seasons. It has been attracting the best players in this format of the game with the organizers leaving no stone unturned to make this league successful. The fan following for this league has grown both in the domestic as well as international market. This edition of the league would be broadcast in more than 80 nations via Television and Web and more than 500 million people around the world are expected to follow this league.

The 2019 edition of the tournament is expected to be extremely competitive if the last year’s results are anything to go by. Another thing that would add to the excitement this season is that many of the teams have undergone massive changes with big names including Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard changing sides.

CPL 2019 team analysis and previews:

Barbados Tridents (BT)

Last Year’s Result: 6th Position
Key Players: Alex Hales, Jason Holder, Asif Ali, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Sandeep Lamichhane, Wahab Riaz
Players In: Alex Hales, Sandeep Lamichhane, Jonathan Carter, Hayden Walsh
Players Out: Martin Guptill, Hashim Amla, Mohammad Irfan, Nicholas Pooran
Odds: 5.00
Playing XI: Jason Holder (C), Alex Hales, Asif Ali, Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Ashley Nurse, Sandeep Lamichhane, Jonathan Carter, Justin Greaves

Since their win in 2014 and finishing runner-up the following year Barbados Tridents haven’t done themselves proud. The side finished 6th last season and would be looking to improve upon that this time around. Jason Holder stays as captain and Robin Singh as the coach for this season. The side would miss Martin Guptill, Hashim Amla, and Nicholas Pooran this season but would be happy with the new sign-ins especially English batsmen Alex Hales and Nepal’s mystery spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. The side looks good with Jonathan Carter, Asif Ali, Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Wahab Riaz, and Ashley Nurse in the team.

A holder who has always stood for his leadership skills would be hoping to make a turnaround this season with exciting players joining the team. He would have a tough time though as they have faced a lot of headwinds in terms of the performances of their important players is concerned.

Which games is the team expected to win easily and which not?

• Trinbago Knight Riders – The Knight Rider have won the last five out of six games and 8-4 overall. The Tridents would have a tough challenge against them

• Jamaica Tallawahs – It is 6-5 in favor of Jamaica Tallawahs and we have seen some entertaining games between the two sides and this trend is expected to continue.

• St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – The Patriots have won the last four games between the two sides and have a 6-2 record overall and this would make them favorites this season as well.

• St Lucia Zouks – The Tridents have dominated 8-4 over the years over the Zouks but we have seen some close games in recent times and it would be a seesaw battle this time around.

•Guyana Amazon Warriors – The Tridents have been in awful form against the Warriors in the last three seasons winning only one game among six. It has been 4-7 overall and this makes Warrior's favorite this season as well.

Predicted place in the table for this season:

The side has been inconsistent over the last two seasons and this would be something that they need to work out. Nonetheless, we expect them to be in the Top 4 this season and earn a place in the play-offs.

Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW)

Last Year’s Result: Runner Up
Key Players: Shoaib Malik, Ben Laughlin, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Green, Shadab Khan, Keemo Paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj
Players In: Ben Laughlin, Anthony Bramble, Keagan Simmons, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shadab Khan, Nicholas Pooran
Players Out: Rayad Emrit, Luke Ronchi, Sohail Tanvir, Imran Tahir, Chadwick Walton, Cameron Delport, Rashid Khan
Odds: 6.00
Playing XI: Chris Green (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Keagan Simmons, Shoaib Malik, Nicholas Pooran, Ben Laughlin, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Shadab Khan, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Sherfane Rutherford

They were runner-up last season and twice before but have choked on all three occasions. South African Johan Botha comes in a coach while Chris Green has been retained as skipper. The side would miss the services of Luke Ronchi, Imran Tahir, and Rayad Emrit and these players have done well over the past few seasons. The side would be happy to have brought in emerging superstar Nicholas Pooran. Shadab Khan also comes in place of Rashid Khan who has a national duty. The side looks good with Sohaib Malik, Ben Laughlin, and Sherfane Rutherford bringing experience.

It will be a challenge for Green to lead the new-look side with some of his best players, not part of the squad this season. Their coach Botha who has seen a fair bit of challenges in his playing career would be looking to put his experience to good effect. It would be interesting to see how Chris Green leads the side this season.

Which games is the team expected to win easily and which not?

• Barbados Tridents – It’s a win-loss record of 7-4 overall but they have won the last five out of six games against Tridents and this would make them favorites this season as well.

• Trinbago Knight Riders – It has been 7-10 in the league’s history but some extremely close matches in the last two seasons. We expect this fierce rivalry to continue this season.

• Jamaica Tallawahs – It has been close between the two sides where Warriors have won 9 and lost 7. The battle is expected to close this season as well.

• St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – It’s been an overwhelming dominance of the Warriors and they have a healthy 6-2 record. They had won both games last season and would start ahead this season as well.

• St Lucia Zouks – They have won 7 and lost 4 games against the Zouks overall and have dominated them in the last two seasons and would favorite this season.

Predicted place in the table for this season

They were runner-up last season but have lost few of their key players to transfers this season and it would be a huge ask for the side to finish in the top four this season.

Jamaica Tallawahs (JT)

Last Year’s Result: 4th
Key Players: Chris Gayle, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Glenn Phillips and Chadwick Walton, Oshane Thomas, Zahir Khan
Players In: Chris Gayle, Zahir Khan, Imran Khan, Oshane Thomas, Christopher Lamont, George Worker, Chadwick Walton
Players Out: Johnson Charles, Ish Sodhi, Adam Zampa, Kemar Roach, Samiel Badree, Ross Taylor, Imad Wasim
Odds: 4.00
Playing XI: Andre Russell (C), Chris Gayle, Rovman Powell, George Worker, Oshane Thomas, Imran Khan, Glenn Phillips, Zahir Khan, Steven Jacobs, Javelle Glen, Shamar Springer

Two-time champions in 2013 and 2016 the Tallawahs have been a powerhouse in this tournament. The side did well in the group stages last season but was knocked out in the Eliminator. Andre Russell stays as skipper and Mark O'Donnell would be donning the hat of the coach. Chris Gayle being signed in is the biggest news for them this season. Along with Russell, the side has retained Rovman Powell, Glen Phillips and Oshane Thomas and these players had done well last season. Chadwick Walton, Imran Khan, and the Afghan Zahir Khan have been brought into the side this season.

Andre Russell would be happy to lead one of the best batting teams in this season. With the entry of Chris Gayle, the batting line-up has been strengthened. He would hope to end their string of near misses over the last few seasons and aim for their third title.

Which games is the team expected to win easily and which not?

• Barbados Tridents – It has been 6-5 in favor of the Tallawahs and been one of the best rivalries in the league’s history and we expect to see two close contests this season.

• Guyana Amazon Warriors – They have won 7 and lost 9 games against the Warriors and it has been a seesaw battle and we expect to see two more this season.

• Trinbago Knight Riders – They have had a good record of 9-5 against the Knight Riders but in the last few seasons it has been close battles and we would few more this season.

• St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – It has been a 5-4 win-loss record in the league’s history with several close battles and these games would be great to watch this season.

• St Lucia Zouks – They have an 8-3 win record against the Zouks and have won the last four games and this would make them favorites this season.

Predicted place in the table for this season:

The team has been one of the most consistent sides in this league. With new players roped in, they look strong. We expect them to finish in the top two during the group stage with a great chance of winning the title.

St Kitts Nevis Patriots (SNP)

Last Year’s Result: Debut Season ( 5th as St Lucia Stars)
Key Players: Andre Fletcher, Niroshan Dickwella, John Campbell, Lasith Malinga Darren Sammy, Fawad Ahmed
Players In: Fawad Ahmed, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, Nitish Kumar, Christopher Barnwell, John Campbell, Fawad Ahmed
Players Out: Kieron Pollard, Mitchell McClenaghan, David Warner, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Rumman Raees
Odds: 7.00
Playing XI: Daren Sammy (C), Andre Fletcher, Nitish Kumar, Roland Cato, John Campbell, Kesrick Williams, Niroshan Dickwella, Beuran Hendricks, Fawad Ahmed, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera

It will be debut season for St Lucia Zouks after the previous franchise from the island of St Lucia the St Lucia Stars were banned by the organizers. But they have inherited the same team with Daren Sammy as the skipper and James Foster as the coach. The side has been perennial losers with 4th place finish in the 2016 season being their best show in the league’s history. Obed McCoy, Andre Fletcher, and Kesrick Williams have been retained in the squad from last season. Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga, Niroshan Dickwella and Thisara Perera add strength to the side and so does Nitish Kumar and John Campbell who have come in.

Sammy a veteran of many battles and T20 title wins would hope that the change of name and owners brings a change of luck to the side. He has to play an inspirational role if the side has to make a turnaround this season.

Which games is the team expected to win easily and which not?

• Barbados Tridents – It has been 4-8 in favor of the Tridents but the Zouks had won both the games last season and this might make the battle interesting this season.

• Guyana Amazon Warriors – Against the Warriors, they have won 4 and lost 7 so far. Last season it was one all. We expect the Warriors to have an upper hand in both the games.

• Jamaica Tallawahs – It has been one-sided over in favor of the Tallawahs in the last six games and they would find it hard going against them with six consecutive losses.

• St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – It has been 4-2 in favor of the Patriots and we expect the Patriots to dominate them this season.

• Trinbago Knight Riders – The 2-9 win-loss record for them against the Knight Riders tells the story with six consecutive losses and they are likely to find it hard this season as well.

Predicted place in the table for this season

The team doesn’t inspire much confidence given all that they have been through with their original owners banned from the league. As things stand at the moment the side must finish at the bottom of the points table.

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR)

Last Year’s Result: Winners
Key Players: Chris Lynn, Colin Munro, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Shannon Gabriel Shadab Khan
Players In: Kieron Pollard, Mohammad Hasnain, Seekkuge Prasanna, James Neesham, Akeal Hosein
Players Out: Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, Shannon Gabriel, Fawad Ahmed, Kevon Cooper, Javon Searles
Odds: 3.25
Playing XI:

Defending champions and winners of the last two seasons the Trinbago Knight Riders have been going strong. Dwayne Bravo their captain since the first season and champion all-rounder has been retained for this season as well. They have also roped in Kieron Pollard with the homeboy set to represent the side for the first time. Mohammad Hasnain the pace sensation from Pakistan and Kiwi all-rounder James Neesham have also made it to the squad. They have a well-balanced squad that includes the likes of Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo, Ali Khan, Colin Munro, and the experienced Denesh Ramdin.

Brendon McCullum comes into the side in his new role as coach and is likely to bring in his aggressive instincts which will add to the strength of the side. Having him in the dressing room would fill the players with positive intent as they look to win their third consecutive title which is rare in T20 franchise cricket.

Which games is the team expected to win easily and which not?

• Barbados Tridents – They have an 8-4 win-loss record against the Tridents and this should make them favorites in both the games.

• Guyana Amazon Warriors – Against the Warriors, the side has 10-7 win-loss record and it was two games each last season and we expect tough fight this season as well.

• Jamaica Tallawahs – The Tallawahs have had the upper hand with 5-9 win-loss record and it’s been one game each last two seasons and this would be a battle to watch out.

• St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – They have dominated the side from St Kitts & Nevis and have an 8-3 win-loss record over them and we expect the side to win against them comfortably.

• St Lucia Zouks – It has been 9-2 against the previous avatar of the team St Lucia Stars including the last six wins on a trot and they would definitely start confidently on this one.

Predicted place in the table for this season

The team has some brilliant players and they have gelled well as a side over the last two seasons topping the points table and we expect them to retain this momentum and top this season as well.

CPL 2019 PREDICTIONS AND BETTING ODDS

All the six sides have some of the biggest T20 stars in their ranks and this would make the tournament competitive life previous edition. This brings us to the most important question of all – which side is likely to lift the title at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on October 12, 2019.10CRIC the official betting partners for the Caribbean Premier League has already assigned the outright winner odds as we game mentioned above.

If team composition, past records and the ability to hold nerves in demanding situations is anything to go by, Trinbago Knight Riders would definitely start as favorites. They are the reigning champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history having won the title in 2015, 2017 and the last one in 2018. They have been the most consistent team in the history of the tournament with 4th place finish in the first two editions being their worst performance. Over the last two seasons, the side has won 19 out of its 26 games and has played dominating cricket. They have an overall 62.50% win record in the tournament which goes to show the kind of dominance they have enjoyed so far.

Darren Bravo has led the side from the front from the very first season of the league. He is an inspiration to the squad that boasts of impact players such as Kieron Pollards, Colin Munro, Sunil Narine, and James Neesham to name a few. It is the balance in the squad with his battery of all-rounders that makes them the tournament favorite. Jamaica Tallawahs would give them a run for the money. The two-time champions - 2013 and 2016 have none other the hottest T20 player in the world Andre Russell leading them. Add Universe Boss Chris Gayle and Rovman Powell to the squad and they are a team that can blow their opponents out of the game. Barbados Tridents and St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots would be the other two teams we expect to finish in the top four and battle it out in the playoffs this season.

Expected Top Performers for the Season:

Caribbean Premier League has always been high on star power. There are individuals that have knocked opponents out of the games. With a mix of placid batting tracks and few lively surfaces, we expect to see great individual performances this season too. If you are looking to stake your money on individual players during the season here is our list of top batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders likely to make headlines during this season of the tournament

Top Batsmen