St Lucia Kings CPL 2026 Squad: Full Players List, Predicted Playing XI & Team Preview
The St Lucia Kings enter Caribbean Premier League 2026 as defending league-stage leaders, looking to add a second title after their maiden triumph in 2024. But this is a very different squad from the one that lifted the trophy — the 2026 domestic draft reshaped the roster significantly, and several familiar names have moved on to rival franchises.
Following a fully revamped CPL draft system introduced this year — with the arrival of the new Jamaica Kingsmen franchise triggering a central player pool and no automatic retentions — the Kings had to rebuild a large part of their squad from scratch, using a mix of Right to Match Options (RMOs) and fresh signings.
Note for readers: several details below — the 2026 captain in particular — have not yet been officially confirmed by the franchise at the time of writing and are marked accordingly.
Fans can follow the complete CPL 2026 Schedule for match dates, venues, and upcoming tournament fixtures, and track live standings on the CPL Points Table.
Squad at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise name | St Lucia Kings (formerly St Lucia Zouks, St Lucia Stars) |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Owner | KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited (Punjab Kings ownership group) |
| Home ground | Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia |
| Head coach | Daren Sammy |
| Captain (2026) | Not yet officially confirmed (needs verification) |
| CPL titles | 1 (2024) |
| 2025 finish | Topped the league table; lost in Qualifier 2 |
| Overseas players confirmed | Noor Ahmad, Tim Seifert, Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, Shadley van Schalkwyk |
| Squad composition | 17 players — 9 senior West Indies players, 5 overseas, 3 breakout players |
St Lucia Kings CPL 2026 Squad Overview
The Kings’ 2026 rebuild is built around three pillars: a heavy investment in subcontinental spin, a retained all-round core anchored by Roston Chase, and a wave of promising young Caribbean talent brought in through the breakout-player pathway.
Unlike previous years, CPL 2026 introduced a completely revamped acquisition system. With the Jamaica Kingsmen joining as an eighth franchise, every player entered a single central draft pool — there were no automatic retentions from 2025 squads. Instead, each of the seven returning franchises received four RMOs to keep players they wanted, plus the ability to sign up to five overseas stars separately.
For the Kings, that meant hard choices. They used their RMOs to hold onto Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and breakout all-rounder Keon Gaston, but lost several long-serving names to other franchises in the process — most notably Johnson Charles and Alzarri Joseph.
The result is a squad that leans more heavily on spin than in previous seasons, with Noor Ahmad and Maheesh Theekshana forming one of the most dangerous overseas spin pairings in the tournament, backed by a domestic batting core still finding its settled top order.
St Lucia Kings CPL 2026 Full Squad
Batters
- Tim Seifert (overseas)
- Charith Asalanka (overseas)
- Kamil Pooran
- Ackeem Auguste
All-Rounders
- Roston Chase
- Matthew Forde
- Damion Joachim
- Johann Jeremiah
- Keon Gaston
Bowlers
- Noor Ahmad (overseas)
- Maheesh Theekshana (overseas)
- Shadley van Schalkwyk (overseas)
- McKenny Clarke
- Darron Nedd
- Amari Goodridge
- Joshua Bishop
Wicketkeepers
- Jewel Andrew
- Tim Seifert (overseas)
- Kamil Pooran
2026 Draft: Retained Players, New Signings & Departures
Retained via RMO
- Roston Chase
- Matthew Forde
- Keon Gaston
Retained breakout pick
- Ackeem Auguste
New signings (domestic)
- Jewel Andrew — wicketkeeper-batter, signed after making his West Indies debut at 18; arrives from Antigua & Barbuda Falcons
- McKenny Clarke — returns to the Kings after winning back-to-back CPL titles: 2024 with St Lucia, 2025 with Trinbago Knight Riders
- Kamil Pooran, Darron Nedd, Joshua Bishop, Damion Joachim, Amari Goodridge, Johann Jeremiah
New overseas signings
- Noor Ahmad, Tim Seifert, Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, Shadley van Schalkwyk
Notable departures
- Johnson Charles — the CPL’s all-time leading run-scorer moves to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots
- Andre Fletcher — also departs for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, reuniting with Charles
- Alzarri Joseph — returns to his home franchise, Antigua & Barbuda Falcons
- Shadrack Descartes — joins Barbados Tridents
- Khary Pierre — moves to Guyana Amazon Warriors
- Faf du Plessis — does not appear in the confirmed 2026 squad announcements (status needs official confirmation — see Captain section below)
This is the biggest squad turnover the Kings have had in several seasons, and it changes the character of the team: less reliant on a settled Charles-Fletcher top order, more dependent on new combinations finding form quickly.
Overseas Stars
The Kings’ five confirmed overseas players for CPL 2026 are:
- Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan) — left-arm wrist spinner, Player of the Series when the Kings won the title in 2024
- Tim Seifert (New Zealand) — wicketkeeper-batter, holder of the joint-fastest century in CPL history
- Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka) — mystery spinner capable of bowling in the powerplay and death overs alike
- Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) — left-handed middle-order batter and current Sri Lanka white-ball regular
- Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA) — seam-bowling all-rounder
The heavy Sri Lankan and Afghan presence signals a deliberate shift toward spin dominance, particularly useful given that Caribbean pitches — including the Kings’ own home surface — tend to slow down and grip as tournaments progress.
Ownership
St Lucia Kings are owned by KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, the same ownership group behind the IPL’s Punjab Kings, led by Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, and Preity Zinta. The franchise took on its current name and identity in 2021 after this consortium acquired what was previously the St Lucia Zouks. The Punjab Kings’ connection has been credited with improving the franchise’s recruitment network and access to overseas talent since the takeover.
Home Ground
The Kings play their home matches at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (formerly Beausejour Cricket Ground) in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. The venue was renamed in 2016 in honour of West Indies great and current Kings head coach Daren Sammy.
- Capacity: Sources list the ground’s capacity at either roughly 12,400 or 15,000, depending on configuration (exact current capacity needs official verification)
- Pitch behaviour: Historically offers early seam and bounce for fast bowlers, with the surface slowing down and turning more for spinners as matches progress — a major reason behind the Kings’ 2026 investment in Noor Ahmad and Theekshana
- Floodlights: In use since 2006, enabling day-night fixtures
- History: The ground has hosted World Cup matches and other major ICC fixtures, and is known for a loud, passionate home crowd that has historically given the Kings a genuine edge in tight run chases
Captain & Head Coach
Captain
The Kings’ captain for CPL 2026 has not yet been officially confirmed at the time of writing, and this section will be updated once the franchise announces its leadership group. For context: Daren Sammy led the side for most of its early years (2013–2020), Andre Fletcher captained briefly in 2021, and Faf du Plessis led the Kings from 2021 through their 2024 title win. Du Plessis does not appear in any confirmed 2026 squad reporting, so his status for this season is unclear.
Among the retained core, Roston Chase — a St Lucia Kings mainstay since 2020 and the side’s Player of the Series in the 2021 runners-up campaign — is the most experienced leadership candidate currently in the squad, but this is speculation pending an official announcement.
Head Coach
Daren Sammy continues as head coach. The two-time World T20-winning captain has overseen the franchise’s rise from perennial mid-table side to 2024 champions, and his coaching approach has generally emphasised aggressive, high-tempo cricket and squad depth over reliance on individual stars — an approach that will be tested by this year’s heavier roster turnover.
Squad Analysis
Batting: The loss of Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher removes the Kings’ most experienced opening pair. Tim Seifert, a proven powerplay hitter with a joint-fastest CPL century to his name, is now the most obvious senior batting option, alongside Charith Asalanka in the middle order. Jewel Andrew and Kamil Pooran add fresh, largely unproven depth.
Pace bowling: With Alzarri Joseph gone, the pace attack is notably lighter on big-name firepower than in 2024–25. Shadley van Schalkwyk, McKenny Clarke, and Amari Goodridge form the core seam options, none of whom carry Joseph’s international pedigree — a genuine area of concern heading into the season.
Spin department: Comfortably the squad’s strongest area. Noor Ahmad and Maheesh Theekshana give the Kings two genuinely world-class slow bowlers, supported by left-arm spinner Damion Joachim. On a ground that increasingly favours spin as matches go on, this trio could be the difference-maker.
All-rounders: Roston Chase remains the anchor, with Matthew Forde and Keon Gaston adding depth. This is a settled, experienced unit relative to the rest of the squad, and likely to carry extra responsibility given the batting uncertainty above.
Key Players to Watch
Roston Chase
The longest-serving player in the current squad, retained via RMO for a sixth CPL season with the franchise. Chase was Player of the Series in the Kings’ 2021 runners-up campaign and remains their most dependable all-round option — his experience will matter even more with so many new faces around him.
Noor Ahmad
Fresh off a title-winning 2024 campaign in which he was named Player of the Series with 22 wickets, the Afghan left-arm wrist-spinner is arguably the single most important player in the squad. On a pitch that grips as the game wears on, his control in the middle overs could define the Kings’ campaign.
Tim Seifert
The New Zealand gloveman holds the joint-fastest century in CPL history and gives the Kings their most proven overseas batting threat, especially at the top of the order following Johnson Charles’s departure.
Maheesh Theekshana
The Sri Lankan mystery spinner adds a second frontline slow-bowling option capable of bowling in the powerplay as well as the middle overs — a rare skill set that gives head coach Daren Sammy real tactical flexibility across all three phases of an innings.
Predicted Playing XI
| # | Player | Role | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Seifert (WK) | Opener | Most proven overseas top-order option |
| 2 | Ackeem Auguste | Opener | Retained breakout batter, gives local top-order continuity |
| 3 | Charith Asalanka | Middle order | Established international batter, anchors the innings |
| 4 | Roston Chase | All-rounder | Experience and off-spin control in the middle overs |
| 5 | Jewel Andrew | Middle order/WK | Highly rated young keeper-batter |
| 6 | Matthew Forde | All-rounder | Adds hitting and seam-bowling depth |
| 7 | Keon Gaston | All-rounder | Fast-bowling all-round option |
| 8 | Shadley van Schalkwyk | Pace | Frontline overseas seamer |
| 9 | McKenny Clarke | Pace/fielding | Brings recent title-winning experience |
| 10 | Noor Ahmad | Spin | Leading wicket-taking option |
| 11 | Maheesh Theekshana | Spin | Second frontline spinner |
This is an analytical projection, not an official team sheet — the Kings’ actual XI will depend on conditions, form, and any further squad additions.
Season-by-Season CPL Record
| Season | Result |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Last place |
| 2016 | Made the playoffs |
| 2017 (as St Lucia Stars) | Winless campaign |
| 2020 | Runners-up |
| 2021 | Runners-up |
| 2022 | Third place |
| 2023 | Eliminator exit |
| 2024 | CPL Champions (beat Guyana Amazon Warriors) |
| 2025 | Topped the league table; lost in Qualifier 2 |
Records & Milestones
- 1 CPL title — won in 2024, the franchise’s first in 11 seasons of trying
- 2 runners-up finishes — 2020 and 2021
- Johnson Charles remains the CPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, though he now plays for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots rather than the Kings
- Tim Seifert’s century for the Kings ranks among the fastest in CPL history and the second-highest individual score in the competition’s history
- Noor Ahmad’s 22 wickets in the 2024 title-winning campaign earned him the Player of the Series award
What’s Changed Since Last Season
- Departures: Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Alzarri Joseph, Khary Pierre, and Shadrack Descartes have all left the franchise
- New system: CPL 2026 introduced a fully revamped draft with no automatic retentions, forcing every franchise — including the Kings — to rebuild through RMOs and a central pool
- New arrivals: Jewel Andrew, McKenny Clarke (returning), Kamil Pooran, Darron Nedd, Joshua Bishop, Damion Joachim, Amari Goodridge, and Johann Jeremiah
- Overseas overhaul: All five overseas slots feature entirely new names compared to prior campaigns, with a clear tilt toward spin
- New opponent: The Kings will now also face the debutant Jamaica Kingsmen franchise, which replaces the Jamaica Tallawahs
Unique insight: St Lucia rebuilt more than half of their 2025 squad through the 2026 draft, making them one of the most reshaped teams in this season’s CPL.
Why This Squad Can Challenge for CPL 2026
The Kings’ spin department — Noor Ahmad and Maheesh Theekshana — is arguably the best in the tournament on paper, and Daren Sammy’s coaching setup has a proven title-winning blueprint from 2024. Roston Chase gives the squad continuity and calm leadership experience even without a confirmed captain, and the home advantage at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground remains real, with a pitch that increasingly favours the Kings’ spin strength as matches progress.
The counterpoint is genuine: this is the least experienced top-order the Kings have fielded in several years, and the pace attack has lost its most dangerous overseas-calibre option in Alzarri Joseph. Much will depend on how quickly Jewel Andrew, Kamil Pooran, and the other new domestic signings adapt to CPL pressure, and on who — if anyone — is confirmed as captain before the tournament starts on August 7.
FAQs
Who is the captain of St Lucia Kings in CPL 2026?
Not officially confirmed yet. Roston Chase is the most experienced retained player and a plausible candidate, but this needs verification once the franchise makes an announcement.
Which overseas players are in the 2026 squad?
Noor Ahmad, Tim Seifert, Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, and Shadley van Schalkwyk.
Did St Lucia Kings retain Johnson Charles for 2026?
No. Charles, the CPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, was drafted by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for the 2026 season.
Is Alzarri Joseph still playing for St Lucia Kings?
No. Joseph has returned to play for his home franchise, Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, in 2026.
Who owns the St Lucia Kings?
KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, the same group that owns the IPL’s Punjab Kings.
Where do St Lucia Kings play their home matches?
The Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
Has St Lucia Kings ever won the CPL title?
Yes, in 2024 — their first title after 11 seasons in the competition.
How did St Lucia Kings perform in CPL 2025?
They topped the regular-season league table but were eliminated in Qualifier 2.
Who is the head coach of St Lucia Kings?
Daren Sammy, the former West Indies World T20-winning captain.
What is the biggest strength of the 2026 squad?
Its spin department, led by Noor Ahmad and Maheesh Theekshana.
What is the biggest weakness of the 2026 squad?
A lighter, less experienced pace attack following Alzarri Joseph’s departure, and an unsettled top order after losing Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher.
Is Faf du Plessis playing for St Lucia Kings in 2026?
He does not appear in any confirmed 2026 squad reporting, so his status is unclear and needs official confirmation.
How many players make up a CPL 2026 squad?
17 players per franchise: 9 senior West Indies players, 5 overseas players, and 3 breakout players.
When does CPL 2026 start?
The tournament runs from August 7 to September 20, 2026, across eight Caribbean venues.
Which new franchise joins CPL in 2026?
The Jamaica Kingsmen, replacing the Jamaica Tallawahs, are captained by Rovman Powell.
