Simmonds retained by Royals

Left-arm pacer Ramon Simmonds has been retained by the Barbados Royals for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The 24-year-old Barbadian, who has played four T20Is for the West Indies, was among the six mandatory Breakout Players retained ahead of the CPL draft.

The other players retained were Joshua James (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons), Quentin Sampson (Guyana Amazon Warriors), Navin Bidaisee (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots), Ackeem Auguste (Saint Lucia Kings) and Nathan Edward (Trinbago Knight Riders).

Under the CPL’s player draft and acquisition regulations for the 2026 season, each franchise was permitted to retain one player ahead of the draft, with that player required to be selected from the team’s Breakout Player category. 

The retained players have each earned recognition for their performances, potential, and growing impact across the region.

Each franchise will name a total of three Breakout Players in their final squad for the 2026 season, reinforcing the CPL’s continued commitment to developing emerging Caribbean talent and providing young players with opportunities on the region’s biggest cricketing stage.

As part of the tournament regulations, every team will also be required to field at least one Breakout Player in every match throughout the season.

With only one pre-draft retention allowed – and that retention reserved exclusively for a Breakout Player – the remaining squad positions for all six teams will now be filled during the CPL draft, setting the stage for one of the most competitive and exciting player selections in league history.

(PR)