(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Mohammad Nawaz Ruled Out of CPL 2025, Abbas Afridi Named as Replacement for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots
In a last-minute change to their squad, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have announced that Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz will miss the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, which begins on Thursday. Nawaz’s absence is an early blow to the team’s plans for the season.
Taking his place will be Abbas Afridi, the 24-year-old fast bowler who will be making his CPL debut. While speculation about his selection had been building, the Patriots confirmed the move on Wednesday.
Afridi joins fellow Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah in the Patriots line-up. Naseem returns to the CPL for the first time since 2021, when he played seven matches and took six wickets at an economy rate of 7.68.
Afridi brings promising credentials from Pakistan’s domestic and franchise cricket. He featured in the Bangladesh Premier League last year for Fortune Barishal and has made his mark in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), taking 60 wickets in 40 matches since his debut in 2021. His PSL career has included stints with Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and a return to Karachi Kings in 2025.
CPL 2025 will also see strong Pakistani representation, with seven players set to participate:
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Mohammad Amir – representing Trinbago Knight Riders, his fourth CPL franchise since 2021. Amir has 51 wickets from 39 CPL matches.
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Usman Tariq – also at Trinbago, making his first CPL appearance after standout PSL seasons in 2024 and 2025.
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Imad Wasim – returning to Antigua and Barbuda Falcons as an experienced all-rounder.
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Hassan Khan – joining Guyana Amazon Warriors, with reports suggesting a possible move towards USA cricket.
With several Pakistani stars in action, fans can expect high-quality performances and exciting contests throughout the tournament.
