Three-time CPL champions Jamaica Tallawahs' set for potential return under GMR Group banner

‌Delhi Capitals co-owners GMR Group are in advanced discussions to relaunch the Jamaica Tallawahs franchise in the Caribbean Premier League. The franchise would be making a return in the tournament after two years since the 2023 season.

The Tallawahs were one of the first six teams in the CPL, who have won the title three times in 2013, 2016, and 2023. Despite the success, then-owner Kris Persaud was forced to sell the team back to the league due to a lack of support from the Jamaican government. Persud went on to establish another franchise, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, as its repalcement but has not had the same success with the team finishing fifth and fourth in their two seasons so far.

While the Tallawahs were struggling to find buyers, the GMR officials who had attended the CPL finals on Sunday, have now become the favorites to run the team in the upcoming season. The company is already involved in the operations of three T20 franchise teams, namely the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket, and Southern Brave in the Hundred, and also own Hampshire in the English domestic cricket set-up.

While the talks of relaunching the franchise are going on, CPL’s chief executive, Pete Russell, expressed his excitement about the Tallawahs' return in the tournament. There are notably no talks of removing the Falcons to re-accomodate the Tallawahs, which could lead to a first-ever seven-team CPL season next year.

 "We are hopeful that these negotiations will reach a positive conclusion in the coming months," Russell said.