WCPL confirms star-studded overseas line-up for upcoming season
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PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
The Limacol Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) has officially confirmed its overseas player roster for the upcoming season, unveiling a glittering array of international talent from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, and Ireland who will join forces with the region’s finest cricketers.
Defending champions Barbados Tridents have moved decisively to strengthen their title defence with four quality overseas acquisitions.
New Zealand captain Suzie Bates, a veteran of the global game, will headline the Tridents’ foreign contingent alongside compatriot Madeline Green, a hard-hitting batter making her WCPL debut.
India’s Pooja Vastrakar, a fast-bowling all-rounder, and middle-order batter Kiran Navgire complete the Tridents’ international line-up, providing captain Hayley Matthews with a formidable blend of experience and explosive potential.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors, still chasing their maiden WCPL crown, have assembled a powerhouse overseas group led by South African pace sensation Shabnim Ismail.
The fiery quick, who has claimed 16 wickets across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, will spearhead the bowling attack alongside compatriot Nadine de Klerk.
Australian all-rounder Erin Burns, who notched two half-centuries for the Warriors in 2024, will anchor the batting unit with support from South African stars Chloe Tryon, a dynamic all-rounder, and top-order batter Tazmin Brits, the only member of the Warriors’ overseas contingent making her WCPL debut.
Newcomers Jamaica Empress have wasted no time in making their presence felt, securing the signature of Australian legend Meg Lanning.
The former Australia captain, boasting over 200 international white-ball appearances and more than 150 franchise T20S globally, is set for her maiden WCPL campaign.
The 34-year-old Lanning will be joined by Ireland wicketkeeper-opener Amy Hunter, South African left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, and New Zealand seamer Rosemary Mair.
Pakistani spinner Syeda Aroob Shah, also a tournament debutant, rounds out the Empress’s international contingent.
Trinbago Knight Riders have complemented their strong regional core with world-class overseas talent. South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, with more than 200 T20 franchise matches to her name, will make her WCPL debut alongside Australian duo Laura Harris and Madeline Penna.
Harris brings valuable WCPL experience, having represented Guyana Amazon Warriors in five matches in 2025 and Barbados Tridents in 10 games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Leg-spinner Penna is expected to lead the Knight Riders’ spin attack at Kensington Oval, while Indian wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia joins the squad for the 2026 campaign.