Eight franchises finalise squads for sixth edition of SPL T20

The 2026 edition of the Saint Lucia Premier League T20 (SPL T20) cricket tournament hosted its official player draft on Saturday, February 7, at the Palmville Conference Center of the Coco Palm Resort. 

The draft was for the sixth edition of the tournament, which will be played from April 10 to May 25 at venues across the island.

The draft consisted of five rounds, with each franchise selecting one player per round. Each team added five drafted players to their 11 pre-selected protected players, making a 16-player squad. The protected selectees were composed of six homegrown players (mandatory), two retained players from 2025 (mandatory), one marquee player (mandatory), and up to two overseas players (optional). 

Additionally, two players had to be under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2026; overseas players excluded. New franchises with no retained players received two extra draft rounds. Teams that skipped overseas selections gained extra draft rounds. 

The first pick in the draft was Zayee Antoine.

In a pre-draft interview, CEO of the SPL, Hassan Euristee, said he was looking forward to an exciting season.

“The production this year is gonna be like no other. We’re gonna take it up a step, up a level. We’re gonna definitely show them how to party. The eight teams, the team owners, are happy that we can get all the teams renewing with us and get new ownership with Jade Mountain for Soufriere.

“They’re just excited for this season, and it’s just something that touches me because when you have sport in Saint Lucia and for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, it’s a lot about being a hobby, right, and it’s time that we get into that professionalism. So I’m just happy that we could have the draft and we get things going for 2026,” Euristee said.

The tournament consists of eight franchises: Babonneau Leatherbacks, Choiseul Craftmasters, City Blasters, Gros Islet Knights, Micoud Eagles, Mon Repos Pioneers, Soufriere Titans, and South Castries Lions. 

Soufriere Titans: Wayne Prospere, Xystus Emmanuel, Dalius Monrose, Julian Sylvester, Bradley Tisson, Shanii Mesmain, Kevin Gassie, Dwight Thomas, Mateo Boulogne, Audy Alexander, Tonius Simon, Kurt Edward, Jervan Charles, Caleb Charles, Sheldon Willie.

Mon Repos Pioneers: Shadrack Descarte, Keon Gaston, Craig Emmanuel, Christan Charlery, Sabinus Emmanuel, Cody Lesmond, Cody Fontenelle, Jonathan Daniel, Jamal Lesmond, Nathaniel Joseph, Zinakki Louis, David Natrium, Miciah Matrium, Alexus Charles.

Micoud Eagles: Mervin Wells, Shervon Leo, Murlan Sammy, Hazel Charlery, Ted Jonas, Shervin Charles, Junior Peter, Rohan Lesmond, Allyne Prospere, Dominic Auguste, Keygan Arnold, Dahjan Sammy, Sanjay Pamphile, Garvey Serieux.

Gros Islet Knights: Kimani Melius, Jard Goodman, Noelle Leo, Tyrel Chicot, Tarrique Edward, Isaiah Jones, Lee John, Darvin Forde, Bjorn Fanis, Jeandell Cyril, Simeon Gerson, Ashton Alexander, Leon Alexander, Jean-Claude Emmanuel.

City Blasters: Stephen Naitram, Jaden Elibox, Vernillius Gabriel, Stephen Abraham, Theo Edward, Dillan John, Murgaran Shoulette, Tyler Venner, Kymani Sexius, Kensley Paul, Kethan Charlemagne, Adien Scholar, Aaron Joseph, Kyle Adonis.

Choiseul Craftmasters: Dornan Edward, Jermain Thomas, Kuston Jules, Vince Smith, Bronte Bess, Junior Henry, Alvinaus Simon, Sky La Feuille, Jason Simon, Shawnil Edward, Denzie Jn Paul, Jamal James, Jeanille Williams, Clem St Rose.

Babonneau Leatherbacks: Sacchin Cepal, Shervon Joseph, Caleb Thomas, Johnnel Eugene, Qwaine Henry, Dane Edward, Sanjay Hayle, Nyeem Rosemond, Yunieski Gustave, Tyler Sookwa, Khan Elcock, Kanil Nelson, Alex Joseph, Armani Florius, Olarry Alfred, Mckay Brigitte

South Castries Lions: Johnson Charles, Kester Charlemagne, Collinus Callendar, Ephron Charles, Daniel Jn Baptiste, Bolton Sayers, Royce Paul, Larry Edward, Xavier Gabriel, Zayee Antoine, Evan Gilbert, Troy Prosper, Jaylan Chandler, Malcom Monroe.