Pakistan opening batter Saim Ayub has been named among Jamaica Kingsmen overseas signings for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026.
Jamaica Kingsmen, the new and seventh outfit in the CPL, were allowed to recruit top local players unchallenged in the draft held earlier this year.
The franchise is owned by Fawad Sarwar, a Pakistani businessman based in the United States. His Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Hyderabad Kingsmen, reached the PSL 11.
The Kingsmen will become the second team from Jamaica to compete in the CPL after the Jamaica Tallawahs, who ceased operations in 2023.
The franchise confirmed the signings in a social media post.
View this post on Instagram
“Royalty doesn’t just stay in one place; it conquers,” the caption of the post read. “Say hello to the overseas maestros ready to take the Jamaica Kingsmen to the throne,” it added.
Saim Ayub has represnted Pakistan in 67 T20Is and he will be joined by fellow Pakistanis Usman Khan, Hunain Shah and Maaz Sadaqat. They will also be accompanied by Hassan Khan and Shayan Jahangir, their teammates from PSL runners-up Hyderabad Kingsmen.
One of the notable inclusions is 19-year-old Pakistani batter Tayyab Arif, who also represented Kingsmen in the PSL 11. These overseas players will join star all-rounder Andre Russell in the Jamaica Kingsmen squad.
The Kingsmen will open their campaign in season opener against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Kingstown on August 7.
Jamaica Kingsmen squad
Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Keemo Paul, Keacy Carty, Jediah Blades, Shaqkere Parris, Odean Smith, Vitel Lawes (RMO), Romaine Morris, Kirk McKenzie (Breakout player), Kelvin Pitman (Breakout player), Jeavor Royal (Breakout player), Saim Ayub, Hassan Khan, Usman Khan, Hunain Shah, Maaz Sadaqat, Shayan Jahangir and Tayyab Arif.
READ: PCB launches second season of Talent Hunt Programme for Schools