New-look St Lucia Kings vie to complete the job without Sammy

THE St Lucia Kings were one win away from winning their maiden title in 2020 but fell at the final hurdle to Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League T20 final at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

Advancing to the final of the tournament would have been a welcome surprise for their fans as the franchise only made it to the playoffs once before 2020.

St Lucia finished sixth in 2013, fifth in 2014 and 2015, fourth in 2016 (only playoff appearance), sixth in 2017 and fifth in 2018 and 2019. This is the first tournament the team will play under the name Kings having previously played as the St Lucia Zouks and the St Lucia Stars.

NO MORE DAREN SAMMY

For the first time in CPL history, St Lucia will be without Daren Sammy. Sammy is St Lucian and is one of the country’s most popular people. The cricket stadium in St Lucia where the Kings play their home matches is named the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.

Sammy, a former West Indies captain, has been with the franchise through the rough times and last year’s strong showing.

Not only a motivator and an inspiration to his teammates, but his ability as an all-rounder will also surely be missed. His medium-pace bowling was an asset to the team along with his fielding and power-hitting in the closing stages of an innings. Sammy is still a member of the franchise and will serve as T20 cricket consultant and brand ambassador.

DU PLESSIS, PAUL

AMONG NEW CROP

South African Faf du Plessis is one of the top players to be signed for the upcoming tournament.

Du Plessis, 37, has played in most T20 leagues in the world including the Indian Premier League and the Big Bash League in Australia.

He has played 50 matches for his country in T20 international cricket and has a healthy average of 35.53.

Du Plessis will be a capable replacement for Sammy as he is a former South African T20 captain.

Keemo Paul, a former West Indies Under-19 player, will be hungry to establish himself on his new team.

Paul spent the last few years with Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Paul, 23, has already played 20 times for the West Indies senior team in T20 cricket, but injury has slowed down his progress in recent times.

Paul is a quality medium pace bowler and can pitch in with aggressive stroke play in the latter overs.

AFGHAN TRIO

MISSING IN ACTION

Three players from Afghanistan were instrumental in getting the St Lucia Kings to the finals in 2020.

All-rounder Mohammad Nabi, batsman Najibullah Zadran and spinner Zahir Khan all proved to be key for the Kings last year.

Nabi was useful with both bat and ball scoring 156 runs at an average of 19.50 and snatched 12 wickets at an economy rate of 5.10.

Zadran was the second leading run-scorer for the Kings with 224 runs at an average of 20.36.

Khan turned heads when given the opportunity as he picked up eight wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 6.92.

Nabi and Zadran are unavailable because of international duty.

The West Indies quartet of Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Rahkeem Cornwall and Obed McCoy have all returned to the franchise and are all expected to play significant roles.

ST LUCIA KINGS SQUAD

Faf du Plessis (captain), Keemo Paul, Wahab Riaz, Timothy David, Andre Fletcher, Kesrick Williams, Usman Qadir, Samit Patel, Obed McCoy, Rahkeem Cornwall, Mark Deyal, Roston Chase, Javelle Glen, Keron Cottoy, Jeavor Royal, Kadeem Alleyne, Alzarri Joseph