Saint Lucia Kings fans got a glimpse into the franchise’s future after the 2026 CPL draft. The 2024 Champions lose all-time league run-scorer Johnson Charles, who was picked by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. Charles will reunite with opening partner Andre Fletcher, his longtime teammate for the Kings and Windward Islands.
Saint Lucian all-rounder Shadrack Descartes will join the Barbados Tridents, who recently announced their return to their original name. Former Kings bowling spearhead Alzarri Joseph will turn out for his home franchise, Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.
This year, the CPL draft rules changed with the arrival of the Jamaica Kingsmen. Teams can now pick 17 players, who must include nine West Indies senior players and three breakout players. The six returning teams each received four right to match options (RMO), allowing them to keep or re-sign their 2025 players if another team selects them. The new Jamaica Kingsmen team received one RMO, which they can use for any Jamaican player chosen in the draft.
The Kings used their RMOs to retain veteran Roston Chase, rising all-rounder Matthew Forde and promising local fast-bowling all-rounder Keon Gaston. They also kept breakout star Ackeem Auguste, who scored his maiden CPL half-century in 2025.
McKenny Clarke, a familiar face in Saint Lucia, is coming back home after winning two CPL titles in a row – 2024 with the Kings and 2025 with the Trinbago Knight Riders. Clarke was a standout performer for TKR last season, particularly in the field, and the Kings will hope his youthful energy boosts their chances of silverware.
Joining him is wicketkeeper-opener Jewel Andrew, who debuted for West Indies last year at 18 and is already seen as a top regional prospect. Other additions: consistent performer Joshua Bishop, left-arm spinner Damion Joachim and Barbadian medium pacer Amari Goodridge.
This draft does not finalise the squad. Teams can still sign five overseas players in the next few weeks. These big signings should add international experience and help the Kings go for a second CPL title.
