Is Mohammad Rizwan set for his CPL debut?

WEB DESK: Pakistan’s right-handed batter Mohammad Rizwan is all geared to feature in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for the first time after signing with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the remainder of the 2025 season. The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter comes in as a replacement for Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has been recalled for national duty ahead of a tri-series in the UAE involving Afghanistan, Pakistan and the hosts, according to ESPN Cricinfo.

The deal is expected to be formally announced by the CPL within less than 11 hours. While it is unclear if Rizwan will be available for the Patriots’ clash against the Barbados Royals on Thursday, his participation in the league has been cleared after Pakistan omitted him from their T20 squad for both the UAE tri-series and the Asia Cup. With a no-objection certificate from the PCB considered a formality, Rizwan is free to make his long-awaited CPL debut.

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The move adds to the presence of Pakistani players in this year’s tournament. Usama Mir has already signed for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, while the Patriots themselves boast Naseem Shah and Abbas Afridi in their bowling attack. Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir and Salman Irshad are also featuring across other franchises, highlighting a strong Pakistani contingent in the CPL.

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For Rizwan, the signing also completes his quota of two overseas T20 leagues permitted annually by the PCB under central contracts. Earlier this year, he was confirmed by Melbourne Renegades for Australia’s Big Bash League.

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The Patriots, meanwhile, will hope Rizwan’s experience and consistency can help turn around their campaign. After opening with a win, the two-time champions, winners in 2017 and 2021, have stumbled to three straight defeats, leaving them near the bottom of the standings. Rizwan’s arrival could provide the stability their batting lineup desperately needs as they chase a semifinal berth.

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