Indian Premier League side Kings XI Punjab are all set to acquire the St. Lucia franchise of the Caribbean Premier League, which make make them the second side from India to own a CPL side after Kolkata Knight Riders.
“We are about to sign an agreement to be part of CPL. We are getting the St Lucia franchise. The structure and name of the company will only be communicated after we get BCCI’s approval,” KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia told PTI on Monday.
“Mohit Burman (co-owner) is in the Caribbean at the moment to sign the agreement. We want to especially thank the Prime Minister of St Lucia Allan Chastanet and Tourism Minister Dominic Fedde for making this possible. We have been pursuing this for almost nine months,” added Wadia.
St. Lucia Zouks is one of the six sides that competes in the CPL, and is led by former West Indian skipper Darren Sammy. Kolkata Knight Riders had acquired another CPL team Trinbago Knight Riders in 2015. It is the most successful CPL team till date, winning three trophies.
St. Lucia, on the other hand, have managed a best finish of fourth, which came way back in 2016.
Pete Russell, the Chief Operating Officer of the CPL added that he was excited that Punjab will enter the tournament as well. “They bring with them a wealth of experience which is fantastic news for both the CPL and St Lucia as a whole.”
St Lucia Prime Minister Chastanet also welcomed the development.
“I welcome the new owners of the Saint Lucia Zouks and hope that their new energy and drive will inspire the team to excel,” said Chastanet.
“Saint Lucians continue to root for the Zouks and we are encouraged by the confidence that Mr. Mohit Burman and his team have placed in the players and Saint Lucia,” he added.
The 2020 edition of the CPL will begin from August 19 and run till September 26.