The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 is on the horizon, promising another spectacular season of high-octane T20 cricket in the West Indies. This year, all eyes will be on the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, who are set to play their second season in the tournament after a promising debut. Their campaign will kick off with the opening encounter of the 2025 edition of CPL against the Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Warner Park. With a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, the Falcons are aiming to build on their previous performance and establish themselves as a formidable force in the ‘Biggest Party in Sport,’ looking to defy expectations and compete for the coveted title from their very first match of the season.
The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ journey in the Caribbean Premier League
The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons made their debut in the CPL during the 2024 season, having replaced the two-time champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs. In their inaugural campaign, the team showcased resilience and potential, ultimately finishing in a respectable fifth place. This first-season performance, while falling short of the playoffs, laid a strong foundation and a clear benchmark for the team’s future.
The franchise’s establishment marked a significant moment for Antiguan cricket, giving the nation its own team to rally behind and a permanent home base at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The franchise is built on a strong foundation, led by the expertise of West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul as coach. Now in their second season, the focus for the Falcons will be on building on the chemistry they developed and establishing a winning culture from the ground up, with the hope that their talented roster can quickly gel and make a stronger statement.
5 key players to watch from the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons
1. Fabian Allen
A dynamic all-rounder, Fabian Allen is a crucial asset for the Falcons with his left-arm orthodox spin and explosive batting. He boasts a career T20I batting strike rate of over 136 and is known for his clean hitting and ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle order. With the ball, he is a reliable wicket-taker and maintains a tidy economy rate, making him a complete package. His experience in various franchise leagues around the world will be invaluable for the new team.
2. Rahkeem Cornwall
The towering Rahkeem Cornwall is a unique and powerful all-rounder who will be a central figure for the Falcons. Known for his explosive opening batting, he has a T20 career century to his name, proving his ability to single-handedly take the game away from the opposition. With his right-arm off-spin, Cornwall is equally effective, and has a five-wicket haul in T20s, making him a consistent threat with the ball.
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3. Allah Ghazanfar
As an exciting young off-spinner from Afghanistan, Allah Ghazanfar is a player to keep a close eye on. He has already shown immense promise in his nascent career with an impressive T20I economy rate of 6.86 and a knack for taking crucial wickets. His subtle variations and ability to deceive batsmen with his flight and turn will make him a potential dark horse and a surprise package for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
4. Imad Wasim
A highly experienced and tactically astute all-rounder, Imad Wasim will provide stability and leadership to the Falcons. The left-arm orthodox spinner has a career T20I bowling average of 21.75 and an outstanding economy rate, making him a difficult bowler to score against. Wasim is also a handy lower-order batsman who can clear the ropes and contribute quick runs, making him a genuine match-winner in both departments.
5. Shakib Al Hasan
One of the most decorated all-rounders in modern cricket, Shakib Al Hasan is an indispensable asset for the Falcons. His T20I career stats are formidable, with 2,551 runs and 149 wickets to his name. With the ball, he maintains a superb economy of 6.81, and with the bat, he has scored 13 half-centuries. His vast experience, exceptional skills, and ability to perform under pressure make him the lynchpin of the team.
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