GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC):

REIGNING CHAMPIONS Jamaica Tallawahs will launch the defence of their Caribbean Premier League title when they take on St Lucia Kings in the tournament opener tonight.

The three-time champions beat Barbados Royals in last year’s final at Guyana’s National Stadium to notch their first title since 2016, and are confident of once again making their mark despite a change of leadership which has seen Rovman Powell head to Barbados Royals.

His replacement, new captain Brandon King, said it was important for his side to “play with passion” if they were to make inroads.

“The Jamaica Tallawahs are excited for the 2023 season to begin,” said King, who scored a career-best unbeaten half-century last Sunday to help West Indies clinch a series win over India in Florida.

“I firmly believe that our success in the upcoming tournament lies not just in our individual skills, but in our ability to unite as a team, play with passion, and embrace every challenge that comes our way.

“I’m excited for the new season and can’t wait to get on the field to defend our title.”

King will lead a Tallawahs outfit which features the likes of estranged West Indies all-rounder Fabian Allen, Test vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood and stroke-maker Shamarh Brooks, along with overseas players Imad Wasim, Chris Green and Mohammed Amir.

Kings, meanwhile, will be in pursuit of their maiden CPL title, having twice made the final – in 2020 and 2021 – but come up short to Trinbago Knight Riders and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Head coach Daren Sammy said clinching the first title was very much still at the forefront of the squad’s minds.

“The Saint Lucia Kings are delighted to be getting their 2023 campaign under way at our home ground,” said Sammy, who is also the West Indies white-ball head coach.

“We are sure that the Lucian public will come out in big numbers to support us as we push to make the playoffs and then go on and claim our first CPL title.

“We have a very strong team, full of exciting young talent and experienced local and overseas players and we are well placed heading into the tournament.”

Kings’ bid will be led by the West Indies trio of Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase and Johnson Charles, while South African star Faf du Plessis headlines the overseas players.

The CPL will run from today to September 24 and also feature Guyana Amazon Warriors as the sixth team in the campaign.