Going all the way

Ajmal Khan, Chairman and CEO of Verus International, has promised to “invest whatever it takes” to make the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) a reality.

The private merchant bank, which operates primarily in New York and Barbados, officially launched the new franchise-based Twenty20 tournament on Monday.

“I’m looking to invest whatever it takes, in the hundreds of millions, in order to be able to turn this passion into a reality that it is sustainable,” said Khan.

Whatever it takes!: Ajmal Khan, Chairman and CEO of Verus International, 

addressing the media during the launch of the Caribbean Premier League. 

He was speaking during a press conference at Cove Spring House flanked by Dr. Julian Hunte, President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB); and Michael Muirhead, the WICB’s Chief Executive Officer.

The CPL will replace the current Caribbean T20, with the WICB agreeing to a 20-year licensing arrangement with Verus International, the financial details of which remain undisclosed.

“Globally speaking, I do not think this kind of platform has ever been scaled to where I think it can go,” said Khan, who was born in Nigeria to a diplomat and educated in the United Kingdom.

He is a resident of Barbados and a citizen of both Canada and the United Kingdom.

“Growing up in England, I used to sneak out of school to watch the games and that always resonated with me, so living in Barbados since 1997, I’ve become very fond of the island, with the people, the passion and the cricket being at the heart of it,” added Khan.

“We are pleased to announce our long-term partnership and investment in the Caribbean here today, and we are honoured to be in the position to partner with a region so rich in cricket history and
tradition.

“As the Twenty20 World Champions, it is fitting that a high quality, well-financed franchise-based Twenty20 League be solidified in the West Indies.”


The CPL, which will initially have six city-based teams, will be played across several Caribbean countries over a one month period each year.

Comprising the best of West Indies cricket talent, each franchise will be built around local Caribbean players complemented by a “few” international “star” players.

Following the lead of established leagues, such as India’s IPL and Australia’s Big Bash, players will be bought, sold and transferred during an annual auction.

Logistical details, such as tournament dates and venues, will be announced in 2013.

Dr. Julian Hunte, President of the West Indies Cricket Board,
addresses the media during Monday’s launch of the
Caribbean Premier League at Cove Spring House.

“The realisation of the CPL is another landmark of the investor and commercial confidence which has been placed in the WICB and the brand of West Indies Cricket,” said Dr. Hunte.

“The WICB is particularly pleased about the opportunities the CPL will provide to players but is equally elated with the agreement which will allow for regional retainer contracts for a broad pool of players.

“This will truly allow for cricketers in the Caribbean to pursue their profession as professionals and not as semi-professionals or amateurs.”

Verus International also said the CPL would be beamed across the world in a high-definition, first-class production, though a host broadcaster and the specifics of a broadcasting deal are yet to be completed. (AH)