The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on Friday announced their overseas player roster ahead of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, bringing together genuine pace, world-class spin and all-round international experience as the franchise builds its squad for the campaign ahead.
The overseas signings confirmed for the upcoming campaign are: Naseem Shah, Dasun Shanaka, Waqar Salamkheil, Wanindu Hasaranga and Nikhil Chaudhary. The Patriots’ recruitment for 2026 is headlined by a potent spin-bowling core and proven pace, giving the squad match-winning options with the ball across every phase of the innings.
Naseem Shah brings genuine pace and international pedigree to the new-ball attack. One of the fastest bowlers to emerge from Pakistan in recent years, he has been a consistent wicket-taker across formats since making his international debut as a teenager.
Dasun Shanaka adds proven leadership and all-round experience to the middle order. The former Sri Lanka captain is a dependable finisher with the bat and a handy pace option, having led his side through multiple ICC events.
Waqar Salamkheil joins the Patriots’ spin attack as an unorthodox left-arm wrist-spinner who has become a regular across global franchise leagues, including previous CPL stints, the IPL and Major League Cricket.
Wanindu Hasaranga rounds out a formidable spin department, the Sri Lankan leg-spinning all-rounder having established himself as one of the most feared bowlers in world T20 cricket, capable of also contributing lower-order runs.
Nikhil Chaudhary completes the overseas quintet, the batting all-rounder having made history as the first India-born male cricketer in 60 years to represent Australia at international level, after building his career through Australian domestic cricket with Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes.
Combined with a core of West Indian talent led by Jason Holder, Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers and Andre Fletcher, this overseas group gives the Patriots a well-rounded squad across pace, spin and batting depth ahead of the 2026 campaign.
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