Caribbean Premier League has always thrown its surprises every year. Several teams have undergone personnel changes this year, and most teams have to deal with unavailability in the first week as CPL clashes with several other tournaments. All these would make this edition of the tournament interesting. As part of our coverage, we shall bring you today's CPL match prediction based on how the teams shape up during the tournament. Picking up an outright winner at the moment is a tough call, and let us now look at how the teams have fared over the last seven seasons of the league -
# Guyana Amazon Warriors
The Guyana Amazon Warriors finally broke the jinx last season, winning their first title. They have been the most consistent team in this tournament, making it to the playoffs every season but losing in the final five times before last year's victory. Shimron Hetmyer would like to start from where the side left off last year, losing only in two games. They have big names on the side, like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, and Imran Tahir. Hetmyer shall like to get the best performances out of them to repeat their magic. Based on the team's strength, they are one of the favorites this season.
Squad - Shimron Hetmyer (c), Imran Tahir, Saim Ayub, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, Azam Khan, Gudakesh Motie, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Kevin Sinclair, Raymon Reifer, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Shamar Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu, Junior Sinclair
# Trinbago Knight Riders
The Knight Riders missed their 5th title last season, having had a poor day during the final. They are the most successful team in the tournament's history but haven't been at their best in the last three seasons. Kieron Pollard is one of the most experienced players in this format and leads a star-studded team with the likes of Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, and Tim David. They have made a habit of demolishing opponents over the years. They have a strong batting line-up and depth in their batting and bowling. They would start as one of the favorites this year.
Squad - Kieron Pollard (c), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Tim David, Akeal Hosein, Jason Roy, Dwayne Bravo, Josh Little, Waqar Salamkheil, Jayden Seales, Ali Khan, Mark Deyal, Keacy Carty, Terrence Hinds, Nathan Edward, Shaquere Parris
# Barbados Royals
They had a poor campaign last season, winning only three games and failing to reach the playoffs. The side never recovered from the poor start and shall eye early wins this season. Rovman Powell likes leading from the front and would aim for his team's third title win after their heroics of 2019. He leads a strong team with players like Jason Holder, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj, and Jason Holder. They have immense batting firepower, and it will be interesting to see if the bowling attack can deliver in challenging situations and add the third jewel to their crown.
Squad - Rovman Powell (c), Jason Holder, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Maheesh Theekshana, Alick Athanaze, Naveen-ul-Haq, Obed McCoy, Kevin Wickham, Keshav Maharaj, Kadeem Alleyne, Rahkeem Cornwall, Isai Thorne, Nathan Sealy, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke, Ramon Simmonds
# St Lucia Kings
The side made it to the playoffs last year but didn't progress further. They had been runner-up in 2020 and 2021, but the title still eludes them. Over the last four seasons, the side has done well in the league stage but failed to grab the title. Faf du Plessis, who brings a lot of experience playing in different T20 leagues, would hope for a maiden title. They have an exciting group of players like Heinrich Klaasen, Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, and David Wise. The bowling attack is a bit weak for the team, and their batsmen must compensate for this for the team to bag the title.
Squad - Faf du Plessis (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Noor Ahmad, David Wiese, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Matthew Forde, Aaron Jones, Khary Pierre, Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Shadrack Descarte, Mikkel Govia, McKenny Clarke, Akeem Auguste
# St Kitts and Nevis Patriots
Apart from their title win in 2021, there hasn't been much to cheer for the side. They are the most inconsistent team and have often finished at the bottom half of the points table. It was a poor show last season, where they finished at the bottom with only one win in their name. Frequent changes in the team and leadership roles have hurt their prospects. The side must punch above its weight to win its second title. Evin Lewis will look to inspire confidence in the team and do well along with players like Kyle Mayers, Wanindu Hasaranga, Rilee Rossouw, Sherfane Rutherford, and Sikandar Raza. The first challenge for the team will be to break the norm of making a poor start to the season.
Squad - Evin Lewis (c), Kyle Mayers, Wanindu Hasaranga, Rilee Rossouw, Sherfane Rutherford, Sikandar Raza, Nuwan Thushara, Andre Fletcher, Tristan Stubbs, Dominic Drakes, Mikyle Louis, Odean Smith, Joshua da Silva, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan John, Ashmead Nedd, Johann Layne
# Antigua & Barbuda Falcons
It will be the debut season for the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. The new franchise replaces Jamaica Tallawas, which had to pull out of the tournament due to a lack of support from the local government. The team has retained most of the players who represented the Tallawahs. Brandon King would lead the side and hope to make a strong impression in the team's first season. They have a strong batting lineup and shall expect to leverage that and expect good performances from players like Imad Wasim, Fabian Allen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, and Fakhar Zaman. They have the resources to go the distance.
Squad - Brandon King (c), Imad Wasim, Fabian Allen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, Fakhar Zaman, Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Hayden Walsh, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop, Kofi James, Shamar Springer, Kelvin Pitman, Jewel Andrew, Joshua James
