Shah Rukh Khan’s Trinbago Knight Riders retain Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq for CPL 2026

The squads for the 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have been finalised, with defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders retaining Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq ahead of the new season. The tournament is scheduled to get underway on August 7, with franchises locking in their overseas combinations as they gear up for another highly competitive campaign.

Several prominent international stars have also secured contracts across the six teams. Trinbago Knight Riders have opted to stick with the core group that helped them lift the CPL title last season. One of the biggest retentions is Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2025.

Tariq finished as the franchise’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 20 wickets in 10 matches, and played a key role in the team’s title-winning run. He is expected to once again lead the spin attack in the upcoming season.

The Knight Riders have also retained England opener Alex Hales and New Zealand batter Colin Munro. South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke and USA all-rounder Amshi de Silva complete the franchise’s overseas contingent. Head coach Dwayne Bravo will continue at the helm for a second consecutive season, while Caribbean stars Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Akeal Hosein remain part of the squad as Trinbago aim to defend their crown.

Last season’s runners-up Guyana Amazon Warriors have reinforced their spin department by retaining veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir and signing Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.

New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips is also set to return to the CPL after a six-year absence. However, his participation will depend on his recovery from the side injury he sustained during New Zealand’s Test against England at The Oval.

If declared fit before the tournament, Phillips is expected to provide balance with both bat and ball. Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has also been retained to strengthen the top order.

Pakistan players land contracts across franchises

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah has been signed by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots as they look to strengthen their pace attack for the 2026 season.

The Patriots have also roped in Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, Afghanistan spinner Waqar Salamkheil, and all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary as part of their overseas lineup.

Meanwhile, Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have added Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan and left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim to their squad. Both players are expected to feature in seven matches before departing to fulfil commitments in the European T20 Premier League.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali and Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Perera, meanwhile, will be available for the Falcons throughout the entire CPL 2026 season.