Pakistani mystery spinner Usman Tariq has been retained by the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2026 Caribbean Premier League after playing a key role in the franchise’s title win last season.
Port of Spain, Trinidad – Web Desk: Pakistani mystery spinner Usman Tariq has been retained by the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2026 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the franchise confirmed.
Tariq played a crucial role in helping the Knight Riders clinch the title last season, a performance that has prompted the franchise to renew its confidence in the spinner ahead of the upcoming campaign. He is currently representing Birmingham Phoenix in England’s The Hundred tournament, meaning his availability for all of Trinbago’s fixtures in the upcoming CPL season remains unclear.
Meanwhile, runners-up Guyana Amazon Warriors have strengthened their squad by bringing in experienced South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir and New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips. Phillips is set to make his CPL return after recovering from injury, adding depth to the Warriors’ bowling and batting options as they look to go one step further this season.
Elsewhere in the draft, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have picked Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah, setting up the possibility of an intriguing sibling contest during the tournament, as his brother Hanain Shah has been selected by the Jamaica Kingsmen.
With squads taking shape across the league, CPL franchises are expected to continue finalising their rosters ahead of the start of the 2026 season, as fans look forward to another closely fought edition of the tournament featuring a strong mix of international and regional talent.
