Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has officially signed with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the remainder of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. The experienced cricketer, who previously captained Pakistan in T20 internationals, will be making his debut in the CPL, adding another overseas league to his career portfolio.
Rizwan has been drafted in as a replacement for Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has left the tournament to join Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming tri-series in the UAE, also featuring Pakistan and the host nation. With Rizwan not included in Pakistan’s T20 squad for either the Asia Cup or the tri-series, his availability has opened the door for this CPL opportunity.
Rizwan’s Debut CPL Stint
This marks Rizwan’s first-ever appearance in the Caribbean Premier League, an event that has seen growing participation from Pakistani cricketers in recent years. The Patriots already have Naseem Shah and Abbas Afridi in their squad, while other Pakistani stars such as Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Salman Irshad, and Usama Mir are also part of CPL 2025 across different franchises.
Although it is not yet confirmed whether Rizwan will feature in the Patriots’ next clash against the Barbados Royals, his arrival is expected to bolster the team’s batting depth. Known for his consistency and ability to anchor innings, Rizwan is likely to provide much-needed stability in the middle order for a Patriots side struggling to find form.
Current Form and International Commitments
Rizwan has been in good touch across formats and continues to be regarded as one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters in white-ball cricket. With the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allowing centrally contracted players to participate in only two overseas leagues within a 12-month period, Rizwan will be using one of his slots in the CPL. Earlier this year, he also signed with Melbourne Renegades for the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.
Patriots’ Season So Far
The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have had a mixed start to CPL 2025. After registering a win in their opening match, the franchise slipped to three consecutive defeats, leaving them second from the bottom in the points table. With two CPL titles already under their belt (2017 and 2021), the Patriots will hope Rizwan’s inclusion can help spark a turnaround in their campaign.
Rizwan’s reputation as a reliable run-getter, combined with his leadership qualities, could prove pivotal as the tournament progresses. Fans are eagerly waiting to see him adapt to Caribbean conditions and showcase his skills in one of the most entertaining T20 leagues in the world.
