- August 13, 2025
The Caribbean Premier League has returned, bringing with it a fresh group of players ready to showcase their skills. CPL 2025 isn’t just about the ‘old stagers’; there are also the rookies! We love rookies! The guys with the talent to surprise us all and keep us on the edge of our seats. If you love to watch the next generation of stars take their chance, you are going to want to read on. So, let’s take a look at five rookies who could create their household name this season, and why they are the players you need to watch!
Jediah Blades: The Left-Arm Speedster Shaking Up Windies Plans
First up, Jediah Blades from Guyana Amazon Warriors is a name that’s buzzing in West Indies cricket circles. At just 23, he’s already caught the selectors’ eyes as a potential left-arm seamer to fill some big shoes. Remember his fiery T20I debut against Australia? Sure, he gave away 40 runs in three overs, but he bounced back quickly, snagging key wickets with some clever swing bowling. His performances for the Guyana Rainforest Rangers in the West Indies breakout league made it clear: Blades isn’t just here to warm the bench. This CPL season could be his launchpad to cementing a spot for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Keep your eyes peeled for his new-ball magic!
Kofi James: The Silent Attacker Ready to Explode
At 27, Kofi James of Barbados Royals isn’t your typical rookie newbie — he’s played 12 CPL games already but hasn’t quite hit his stride. But don’t sleep on this guy just yet. He dominated the recent breakout league, topping the runs charts and smashing the most sixes. With the Royals revamping their top order after some players’ exits, James might just get the freedom he needs to show off his attacking flair. Plus, his handy off-spin adds another layer to his game, especially against left-handers.
Usman Tariq and AM Ghazanfar’s Deceptive Art
Now we have to discuss spin; it isn’t a T20 league without a couple of mystery spinners to flabbergast the batsmen! Osama Tariq has done very well for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL with his slinging, or side-arm off-spin. Tariq’s delivery position from the crease is unusual, along with his quirky action, making the batsman read him.
And then there’s AM Ghazanfar, the Afghan teenage sensation with a price tag to match. Although he missed the IPL 2025 due to injury, his performances for Derbyshire in the T20 Blast were eye-catching—16 wickets at an economy just over 7. His variations could make Caribbean pitches his playground. Just a heads up, he might miss part of the CPL if called up for Afghanistan’s Asia Cup squad, but when he’s on, he’s lethal.
Bevon Jacobs
Finally, meet Bevon Jacobs, a New Zealand batsman standing tall at over six feet, and ready to bring his power-hitting game to the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. Known for his prowess against pace bowling, Jacobs will be tested against Caribbean spinners on slower pitches—an exciting challenge for a player aiming to get into New Zealand’s T20 plans. Success here could make him a dark horse for next year’s T20 World Cup. With stints in the IPL and ILT20 already under his belt, this CPL debut could be the spark he needs to announce himself on the global stage.
Which rookie are you going to back that will steal the show? Leave your predictions, and let’s keep the cricket conversation going all season long!
