With the deadline for registration for the Player Draft for the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2016 tonight – and ahead of the Draft in Barbados now just a fortnight away (on Thursday, 11 February) – CPL Cricket Operations Director Michael Hall takes us through the changes that fans can expect for the fourth instalment of the biggest party in sport.
Amongst the improvements this year, Hall highlights the increased salary cap from $600,000 to $780,000 to facilitate the introduction of the “marquee player”.
Squad numbers have increased to 17, and there is now a guaranteed roster spot for a West Indies Under-19 player as well as a representative from the ICC Americas, which ties in with one of the CPL’s mandates of providing opportunities for young players.
The tournament has generated so much interest in its three years of existence, that this year’s Draft will likely receive the highest number yet of applicants from across the cricketing world, including a record number of West Indian players who haven’t previously made CPL squads.