Chris Jordan Returns to TKR Ahead of CPL 2024

In a significant boost for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), Chris Jordan makes his comeback ahead of the CPL 2024 home matches starting September 18. The Barbados-born England bowler, who previously played five games for TKR in 2019, took seven wickets with an economy rate of 9.05 during their playoff journey, where they were eliminated by the eventual champions, Barbados.

Jordan, 35, steps in for the USA fast bowler Ali Khan, who is out for the entirety of CPL 2024 due to injury. Earlier this year, Jordan made headlines by becoming the first Englishman to achieve a T20I hat-trick in a World Cup match against the USA.

Meanwhile, the defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors face a setback with captain Imran Tahir sidelined for approximately ten days due to an injury. At 45, Tahir is the oldest player in the CPL and had previously missed their last match against Barbados Royals. In his absence, Shai Hope, who captained the team in that game, will continue to lead the squad.

In addition, all-rounder Romario Shepherd is recovering from a toe injury sustained during practice. Shepherd played a crucial role in the Warriors' title victory last season but has appeared in just one match this season, scoring 32 runs off 16 balls in North Sound.

To fill Tahir's spot temporarily, the Warriors have signed Nathan Sowter, an Australia-born English wrist-spinner. Sowter, a former New South Wales Under-23 representative, gained recognition in franchise cricket by winning consecutive titles under Tom Moody at Oval Invincibles. He also worked with Moody at the Desert Vipers during the ILT20 2024, where he earned the nickname 'Racing Snake' for his impressive fielding skills.

Following the loss to the Royals, Hope acknowledged the impact of Tahir's absence but expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt. "We've got to find ways to penetrate in the middle," he said. "Losing Imran Tahir is a significant challenge as he was one of our key players in the middle overs, but we must focus on what we have and find ways to take wickets. As we prepare to face TKR, it’s crucial we finish strong in the death overs and handle our batting effectively."