Pakistan’s experienced wicketkeeper-batter and former T20I captain Mohammad Rizwan is set to make his debut in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, after signing with St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. The official announcement from the league is expected within the next 24 hours, according to cricket reports.
Rizwan Replaces Fazalhaq Farooqi
Rizwan has been drafted into the Patriots’ squad as a replacement for Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who will soon join his national team for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the UAE. This move opens the door for Rizwan to showcase his talent in one of the most celebrated T20 leagues in the world.
Availability for Next Match Still Unclear
The Patriots are scheduled to face Barbados Royals on August 22, but it remains uncertain whether Rizwan will be available in time for that clash. His inclusion has been made possible largely because he was not named in Pakistan’s current T20 squad, giving him the freedom to explore opportunities abroad.
PCB’s NOC a Formality
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to grant Rizwan a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is usually a routine formality for centrally contracted players. Once issued, it will confirm his participation in the CPL without any further obstacles.
Rizwan’s First-Ever CPL Appearance
This marks the first time Rizwan will feature in the Caribbean Premier League, adding a fresh dimension to his already impressive T20 career. His presence will further increase the number of Pakistani cricketers playing in the tournament, making the CPL even more exciting for fans back home.
Strong Pakistani Presence in CPL 2025
The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots already boast two talented Pakistani fast bowlers, Naseem Shah and Abbas Afridi, in their squad. Alongside them, other Pakistani stars in CPL 2025 include:
- Imad Wasim
- Mohammad Amir
- Salman Irshad
With Rizwan joining the mix, the Pakistani contingent in CPL grows stronger, underlining the global demand for Pakistan’s T20 specialists.
PCB’s Policy on Foreign Leagues
Rizwan’s signing also means he will complete his annual quota of foreign T20 leagues, as per PCB’s policy. The board allows centrally contracted players to participate in only two overseas leagues within a 12-month period (from July to June). With CPL 2025, Rizwan fulfills this requirement, balancing his international commitments with franchise opportunities.
Final Word
Mohammad Rizwan’s addition to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots is a major boost for both the franchise and the CPL as a whole. His consistency, experience, and leadership qualities could prove crucial for the Patriots as they aim for success in the tournament. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how Rizwan adapts to Caribbean conditions and whether he can make an immediate impact on debut.
