CPL 2024: Five Players to keep an Eye on in Caribbean Premier League

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As the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) gears up for its 12th season, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the action set to unfold. This year's tournament, beginning on Friday, August 30, promises to be another spectacular display of T20 cricket, featuring some of the biggest names in the game from the Caribbean and beyond.

While seasoned stars like Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine among others are expected to dominate, the spotlight will also be on a new generation of talent ready to make their mark.

These young players are not only potential future stars of the CPL but could also become integral to the West Indies cricket team.

Here's a look at five promising players who are poised to make a significant impact in CPL 2024.

1. Jewel Andrew (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons)

At just 17 years old, Jewel Andrew is already turning heads with his remarkable talent. Known for his incredible feat of scoring five consecutive centuries in a school league and leading the Leeward Islands Under-15 team, Andrew is one of the most exciting prospects in CPL 2024. If he makes his debut before the playoffs, he could break Nicholas Pooran's record to become the youngest player ever in CPL history, currently held at 17 years and 300 days.

Earlier this year, Andrew was the top scorer for the West Indies in the Under-19 World Cup held in South Africa, where he accumulated 207 runs in four innings, boasting an impressive average of 69.00 and a strike rate of 109.52. His performance in the Cool & Smooth T20 tournament in Antigua and Barbuda was equally outstanding, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 323 runs in nine innings. In addition to his batting prowess, Andrew's ability to keep wickets adds a valuable dimension to the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.

2. Matthew Forde (St Lucia Kings)

Matthew Forde may not be an unfamiliar name, but his potential for greatness is only just beginning to unfold. At 22, Forde has already broken into the West Indies T20I squad and has showcased his skills in various franchise leagues, including the Lanka Premier League, Pakistan Super League, and Global T20 Canada. A standout performance in CPL 2024 could further elevate his status in the West Indies white-ball teams and possibly catch the attention of IPL selectors.

Sharing a birthday with Andre Russell, Forde has modeled his game on the T20 superstar. His talent was initially recognized by former West Indies pacer Pedro Collins, who recommended him to coach Daren Sammy at St Lucia Kings. Known for his ability to swing the new ball, Forde is a crucial player for the Kings this season, and his performances could be pivotal in their campaign.

3. Nathan Edward (Trinbago Knight Riders)

Nathan Edward, a left-arm fast bowler from Sint Maarten, is set to play a key role for the Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL 2024. The Knight Riders, who have traditionally favored left-arm seamers in other leagues, have found a local talent in Edward, who fits perfectly into their plans. Having played in two Under-19 World Cups, Edward is well-prepared for the challenge ahead.

Edward has already gained experience outside the Caribbean, having been part of Bahawalpur Royals' championship-winning run in the Pakistan Junior League in 2022. During this tournament, he had the opportunity to be mentored by Imran Tahir, a relationship that could prove invaluable as Edward now faces Tahir in CPL 2024. With a contract secured with the Leeward Islands Hurricane franchise, Edward is expected to be a significant player for the Knight Riders.

4. Isai Thorne (Barbados Royals)

Isai Thorne is another young bowler ready to make his mark in CPL 2024. Thorne, who turns 20 this September, is an out-and-out fast bowler and is set for his first full CPL season with the Barbados Royals after overcoming injuries that have hampered his progress in age-group cricket. Although he had a brief experience with the Amazon Warriors on a development scholarship last year, Thorne is now ready to play a more prominent role.

Thorne's extra pace will complement the slower deliveries of Obed McCoy, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Jason Holder in the Royals' bowling lineup. His performance in the 2023-24 Super 50 competition was noteworthy, as he made his List A debut for Combined Campuses and Colleges and finished as their joint second-highest wicket-taker. Having spent time with the West Indies Test team as a development player during their tour of England, Thorne is tipped to have a bright future in international cricket.

5. Kelvin Pitman (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons)

Kelvin Pitman, a fast bowler with raw pace, is one of the fastest rising stars in Caribbean cricket. He made a memorable debut in CPL 2023 with the Jamaica Tallawahs, where he claimed 3 for 27, including the prized wickets of Mark Deyal, Nicholas Pooran, and Kieron Pollard. His impressive debut led to his inclusion in the West Indies Academy team, where he continued to hone his skills.

For CPL 2024, Pitman will be representing his home franchise, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, having been signed as a pre-draft selection. In preparation for the tournament, Pitman has been working closely with Rayad Emrit, a former West Indies all-rounder and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots captain. With his skill set further refined, Pitman is expected to be one of the standout performers this season.