The Kitts and Patriots face problems in CPL

Sherfane Rutherford's withdrawal has compounded the troubles of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). During their final home game against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, a CPL release confirmed that Rutherford had pulled out of the remainder of the tournament due to personal reasons. The Patriots are expected to announce a replacement soon.

Rutherford, 26, played only four matches for the Patriots this season, scoring 35 runs at an impressive strike rate of 194.44. Without him, the Patriots relied on bowling all-rounder Dominic Drakes at No. 7 in Sunday’s game against the Falcons. Currently languishing at the bottom of the CPL 2024 points table with just one win from six matches, the Patriots have struggled to replicate their 2021 CPL title success. Despite a four-wicket haul from Sri Lankan wrist-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, the team failed to defend a total of 153 on a tricky pitch at Basseterre, continuing a losing streak at home.

Reflecting on the loss, captain Andre Fletcher expressed his disappointment: "We’ve let down the St Kitts and Nevis crowd, and I must apologise as the leader. We still have four more games left, and we’re determined to fight hard and aim for victories."

To make matters worse for the Patriots, all-rounder Kyle Mayers is a doubt after sustaining a possible hamstring injury during his two-over bowling spell. However, South African batter Rilee Rossouw returned to action following a calf injury, offering some hope for the struggling side.

The Patriots’ woes began even before the season started, with the loss of Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza to injury, and the intermittent unavailability of Hasaranga and South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.

In another development, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who was playing for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, has left the CPL to participate in Pakistan’s Champions One-Day Cup, which runs from September 12 to 29. Zaman will represent the Wolves, led by Mohammad Rizwan. Despite Zaman’s departure, his fellow Pakistanis, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, will continue in the CPL, while Guyana Amazon Warriors' Azam Khan has also opted to stay.

In Zaman’s absence, Brandon King made his debut for the Falcons, recovering from a side injury sustained during the 2024 T20 World Cup. He contributed a quickfire 29 off 16 balls, aiding the Falcons in their successful chase of 154 against the Patriots.