AB, Watson headline CPL signatures

South Africa Test captain AB de Villiers and Australia all-rounder Shane Watson were two of the leading names to sign big deals at the Caribbean Premier League draft this week, along with Martin Guptill and Faf du Plessis.
Each CPL side signed a marquee players, with De Villiers going to the Barbados Tridents, Watson to the St Lucia Zouks, Du Plessis to St Kits and Nevi Patriots, Guptill to Guyana Amazon Warriors. The Trinbago Knight Rider bagged Brendon McCullum, while Jamaica Tallawahs snapped up Kumar Sangakkara.
De Villiers and Du Plessis will be available for the entire event as the Proteas do not have fixtures in that time (mid-year), while batsman David Miller was also signed.
De Villiers reiterated his commitment to the Proteas, after his signature raised eyebrows in light of his statements about wanting to lighten his workload.
He said, via a Tridents statement: "I've had a careful look at my schedule and am looking forward to the next few months. For players in my position, it is important to find a balance between playing international cricket and participating in the various T20 leagues around the world.
"I remain absolutely committed to international cricket but, this year, it just so happens I can play in the CPL as well.
"In contrast, for example, I have declined offers to play in the Big Bash League in Australia because it clashes with our home series against Sri Lanka."
Meanwhile, Watson said he was thrilled to be a part of the Caribbean showpiece: "It’s a tournament that I've always wanted to be a part of.
"It looks very cool, awesome atmosphere and there are world-class players playing in the tournament as well, so I really can't wait to be a part of it.
"It’s very special to be able to play in the Caribbean."
Latest
-
News
Holland head coach Ryan Campbell discharged from hospital after cardiac arrest
The Dutch Cricket Federation (KNCB) say tests have ruled out a heart attack as the cause of the cardiac arrest.
-
News
Essex draw with Yorkshire as Sir Alastair Cook scores century in both innings
England’s leading Test run-scorer finished unbeaten on 102 at Chelmsford.
-
News
Surrey complete Northamptonshire win by innings and five runs inside three days
New Zealand all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme started the Northamptonshore rot.
-
News
His best position is at four – Ben Stokes moves Joe Root back to preferred spot
The new England Test skipper is already making his mark.
-
News
It was good fun – Ben Stokes enjoys record-breaking return to action with Durham
The newly-appointed England captain struck 17 sixes as he made 161 from 88 balls against Worcestershire.
-
News
Ton-up Ben Stokes has a record-breaking blast for Durham
The England captain made 161 from 88 deliveries in the LV= Insurance County Championship match against Worcestershire.
-
News
Ton-up Ben Stokes has a blast for Durham
The England Test captain reached a century against Worcestershire with five successive sixes.
-
News
Alastair Cook scores 71st first-class century as Ben Stokes makes Durham return
The Essex batter lined up against his England captaincy successor Joe Root.
-
News
England near Test coach appointment with Gary Kirsten favourite for role
Informal conversations with candidates have been held ahead of Friday’s closing date for applications.
-
England
Essex fined £50,000 over historic racist comment
The club admitted John Faragher’s use of the offensive term, which he himself denies, in a 2017 board meeting.