Kingsmen receive special concessions in CPL 2026 player draft structure

The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has unveiled its 2026 Player Acquisition and Draft Rules, introducing changes for the 2026–2028 cycle alongside the addition of a seventh franchise.

Each team will comprise 17 players: nine West Indies senior players, five overseas players and three Breakout Players, with a maximum of four overseas players permitted in any matchday XI.

The new Jamaica Kingsmen franchise will receive special draft privileges, including the first three picks, restricted to Jamaican players. The franchise is not required to use all selections.

A structured draft order based on the 2025 standings will follow to ensure competitive balance across teams.

Franchises will retain Right to Match Options (RMOs) to retain players from their 2025 squads, with adjustments for teams losing players to the Kingsmen.

Each team was permitted to retain one Breakout Player prior to the draft. Matchday regulations will also require the inclusion of emerging talent selected in the later rounds.

Overseas players will be signed outside the draft process.