Port of Spain: Defending champions Trinbaco Knight Riders (DKR) on Thursday released their list of foreign players for the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The franchise secured five overseas signings for next season: England opener Alex Hales, Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq, New Zealand batsman Colin Munro, South Africa’s Matthew Freitzke and Sri Lankan all-rounder Amshi de Silva.
The team combines proven franchise-cricketers with emerging international talent, strengthening TKR’s batting, spin and pace resources.
Hales returns to the Knight Riders with extensive white-ball experience, having been part of England’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2022.
The opener, who was the fifth highest run-scorer in the CPL last year, has built a formidable reputation in T20 Blast, Big Bash League and international cricket.
Pakistan off-spinner Tariq returns after playing a key role in TKR’s title-winning campaign last season, finishing as the franchise’s leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets in 10 matches.
The 25-year-old, who made his T20 debut against South Africa in November 2025, is expected to strengthen the side with his control and variation in the middle overs.
Munro prepares for his ninth season with TKR, adding more firepower at the top of the order. The left-hander is the highest run-scorer among overseas players in CPL history and has established himself as one of franchise cricket’s most destructive opening batsmen.
South Africa’s Freitzke joined the team after scoring a record 150 in the ODI against New Zealand. The talented batsman, who has represented Lucknow Supergiants in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), is expected to strengthen the middle order.
Sri Lanka’s batting all-rounder De Silva completes the overseas team. Having progressed through Sri Lanka’s age-group system, including the ICC Under-19 World Cup, before representing Sri Lanka A, he adds valuable balance and depth to the squad.
Along with experienced campaigners Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Akhil Hossain, the overseas recruits will join a strong West Indies led by captain Nicholas Pooran.
With Dwayne Bravo returning for his second season as head coach, TKR head into the 2026 CPL campaign with a well-balanced squad aiming to defend their championship.
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