Vaibhav Tripathi
Former Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer Ambati Rayudu could become the second player from India to partake in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Rayudu, who retired from IPL after the 2023 season, has reportedly inked a deal with St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, where he will serve as their marquee player.
Rayudu was also set to represent the Texas Super Kings (TSK) in the inaugural season of the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. However, just five days prior to the league’s commencement, Rayudu withdrew his participation due to the BCCI’s suggestion of implementing a one-year cooling-off period for retired Indian players in relation to their involvement in foreign franchise leagues. The implications of this decision on his involvement in the 2023 CPL are yet to be clarified.
“I’m really excited to be joining the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. I look forward to having a positive contribution for the team in the upcoming CPL 2023,” Rayudu said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Rayudu will be part of the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots’ overseas contingent, alongside Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, and George Linde. Evin Lewis is slated to assume the captaincy of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for this season, succeeding Dwayne Bravo.