It looks as though Jamaica will have a Caribbean Premier League side once again. The GMR Group, co-owners of Delhi Capitals in the IPL, are deep in talks with league officials to revive the Jamaica Tallawahs from next season.
GMR, an Indian infrastructure giant that has quietly built a sizeable sporting portfolio, already oversees Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket, Hampshire’s T20 operation in county cricket and Southern Brave in the Hundred. Away from cricket the group also fields teams in kabaddi and kho-kho, so another expansion would hardly be a surprise.
The Tallawahs, three-time CPL champions and part of the competition since its launch in 2013, have missed the last two editions. Former owner Kris Persaud handed the licence back to the league in 2023 and switched his investment to the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. At the time Persaud sounded weary, pointing to what he felt was limited governmental support on the island.
Jamaica’s stance has shifted. In the run-up to this month’s general election – comfortably won by the governing Labour Party – the sports and tourism ministry said it was “finalising arrangements” to re-establish a CPL franchise, noting recent upgrades at Sabina Park. Those works have been visible; fresh seating, improved lighting and a new hybrid surface are already in place.
CPL chief executive Pete Russell has kept the door open throughout. Earlier in September he said the league is “very excited at the prospect of a return to Jamaica” after “fruitful and engaging discussions” with the authorities. He added: “We are hopeful that these negotiations will reach a positive conclusion in the coming months.”
Several league insiders confirmed GMR representatives were in Trinidad for Sunday’s final, holding informal meetings with CPL officials and potential local partners. One administrator suggested the deal is “80 per cent done”, though paperwork – and clarity on revenue-sharing – still has to follow.
If agreement is reached the Tallawahs would become the CPL’s seventh active side, nudging the tournament from 34 to roughly 40 matches. Extra fixtures mean a slightly longer window, but broadcasters are thought to be on board.
GMR declined to comment when approached this week, a stance consistent with its usual policy until contracts are signed. For Jamaican supporters, who have waited two summers without a home team, silence might be golden.
