Sherfane Rutherford's withdrawal has deepened the struggles of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). During their final home game against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, a CPL announcement confirmed Rutherford’s exit from the tournament due to personal reasons. The Patriots are expected to announce his replacement soon.
Rutherford, 26, featured in only four games this season, amassing 35 runs at an impressive strike rate of 194.44. With his absence, the Patriots turned to bowling all-rounder Dominic Drakes at No. 7 in Sunday’s match against the Falcons. However, the team remains at the bottom of the CPL 2024 points table, with just one win from six matches. Despite a four-wicket haul from Sri Lankan wrist-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, the Patriots couldn’t defend a total of 153 on a tricky Basseterre pitch, continuing their home losing streak.
Captain Andre Fletcher voiced his disappointment after the loss: “We’ve let down the St Kitts and Nevis crowd, and I must apologise as the leader. We still have four games left, and we’re determined to fight hard and aim for victories.”
Adding to their woes, all-rounder Kyle Mayers could miss upcoming games after potentially injuring his hamstring during a brief two-over spell. However, South African batter Rilee Rossouw’s return after a calf injury provides some hope for the Patriots.
Their challenges began even before the season, losing Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza to injury and facing intermittent absences of Wanindu Hasaranga and South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.
In other news, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who was representing the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, left the CPL to participate in Pakistan’s Champions One-Day Cup, running from September 12 to 29. Zaman will play for the Wolves under Mohammad Rizwan's captaincy. Despite his departure, fellow Pakistanis Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir will continue in the CPL, along with Guyana Amazon Warriors' Azam Khan.
In Zaman’s absence, Brandon King made his debut for the Falcons after recovering from a side injury sustained during the 2024 T20 World Cup. He contributed a brisk 29 off 16 balls, helping the Falcons chase down 154 against the Patriots.