Jamaican cricket is poised for a significant revival after a new ownership group pledged more than US$3 million to launch professional franchises in both the men’s and women’s regional Twenty20 leagues.
Minister of Sport Olivia Grange announced that United States-based Kingsmen Sports Enterprise will finance the creation of Jamaica-based teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).
The company, owned by Pakistan-born businessman Fawad Sarwar, has committed annual investments totaling more than US$3 million to operate the two franchises.
Funding breakdown: Men’s and women’s teams
According to Grange, the investment structure will see the majority of the funding directed toward the men’s professional team competing in the CPL.
Kingsmen has pledged approximately US$2.75 million annually to manage and operate the men’s franchise, while allocating US$500,000 each year to establish and run a professional women’s team in the WCPL.
The announcement came during a session of Parliament’s Standing Finance Committee, which was reviewing the government’s 2026-27 Estimates of Expenditure ahead of the national budget debate.
Sabina Park set for long-awaited CPL return
The investment arrives alongside another major development for local cricket fans: the return of CPL matches to Sabina Park for the first time in six years.
Grange confirmed that four CPL matches will be staged at the historic Kingston venue this season, marking Jamaica’s first opportunity to host games in the tournament since 2019.
“With the return of the Jamaica-based franchise, four matches are scheduled to be played at the iconic Sabina Park, marking the return of CPL matches to Jamaica for the first time since 2019,” Grange said.
CPL waives hosting fees after hurricane impact
In a gesture of support to the island, tournament organizers have agreed to waive Jamaica’s usual hosting fees this year.
Grange explained that the decision was made in light of the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which affected several sectors of the country.
“CPL will waive the fee this year, which is normally a part of the host agreement, in consideration of Hurricane Melissa and its impact on the country. Therefore, Jamaica’s input will be primarily value in kind,” the minister said.
Youth development and infrastructure on the agenda
Beyond professional competition, the investment is expected to strengthen the foundation of cricket development across Jamaica.
Grange noted that Kingsmen Sports Enterprise has committed to supporting grassroots cricket initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent throughout the island.
The government and corporate partners will collaborate with the ownership group to finalize the structure of these programmes and ensure they produce tangible benefits for local communities.
Vision to make Jamaica a T20 cricket hub
The ownership group’s ambitions extend beyond simply operating two franchises.
Kingsmen has also pledged to invest in sporting infrastructure designed to elevate Jamaica’s standing in global T20 cricket. The long-term goal is to position the island as a premier destination for elite Twenty20 competitions while boosting international exposure for Jamaican cricket.
With new investment, returning CPL matches, and renewed attention on youth development, the latest announcement signals a potential turning point for Jamaica’s presence in the region’s most lucrative cricket league.
