BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - KITTITIAN and Nevisian fans of the Caribbean Premier League will now have their very own franchise to cheer on as it has been announced that the Federation would be hosting its own franchise.
The announcement came via press release from the CPL yesterday afternoon (Jan. 27) with that body declaring it was of a result of a relationship with the Government.
"This new team is the result of strong support from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis as well as support from the local business community who are keen to enjoy the benefits of hosting a CPL team of their own. Based on last year’s success, this announcement is sure to deliver even greater value for St. Kitts and Nevis, as the tournament is beamed to an ever increasing TV audience around world."
CPL COO, Pete Russell, in the release, indicated that fans in the Federation would now have the opportunity to support their own team.
“We have had a wonderful relationship with the Government since we first started planning for CPL games in 2014 and we are delighted that we are now able to bring a team to St Kitts and Nevis. This is a fantastic opportunity for the country as fans get the opportunity to support their own team – we all look forward to the unrivalled passion that will again be evident at the Warner Park Stadium this season.”
He also highlighted the benefits of hosting a franchise.
“It is also great news for local businesses who will benefit enormously from the economic impact of hosting a CPL team as well as for the local development of young players, who we believe will become inspired by the opportunity to represent the St. Kitts and Nevis team in future years. We wish the team every success in 2015 and are delighted that St. Kitts and Nevis are now part of the CPL family.”
Minister of Sports Hon. Glenn Phillip in the release, said: “Last year the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis was delighted to support the CPL by hosting the Semi Finals and Final as well as a series of neutral games. That partnership reaped great rewards as St. Kitts and Nevis enjoyed a significant return on investment. Overall, the economy benefited to the tune of $26m, which comfortably exceeded our expectations.”
On Sunday Phillip announced that St. Kitts and Nevis was awarded 10 games for the 2015 edition.
“CPL will be here once again; we will be having 10 games! Today, we finalised all of the paperwork. Ten games...one more game than last year. This is a hard-working Government, this is a hard working Minister.”
The CPL draft will be held on February 5 in Jamaica.
In 2014 Warner Park was voted as having the best outfield and pitch for the tournament.
Since the inauguration of the CPL, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has declared an interest in hosting a franchise.
