Barbados Tridents Prepare for WCPL 2026 Without Key Players

Three-time champions Barbados Tridents will begin their quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) title without key all-rounders Aaliyah Alleyne and Chinelle Henry.

Both players were drafted by the tournament’s newest franchise, Jamaica Empress, following the changes made to the expansion of the WCPL to include a fourth team for the 2026 season. Henry was selected by the Jamaica Empress as their heritage player, while 31-year-old Barbadian Alleyne will also represent the new franchise.

In response, the Tridents retained West Indies players Qiana Joseph and Afy Fletcher as part of their local core, with captain Hayley Matthews set to spearhead their bid for another championship. Elsewhere across the league, West Indies star Deandra Dottin will continue to represent Trinbago Knight Riders, while promising young Barbadian batter Eboni Brathwaite has been drafted by Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Jamaica Empress have also strengthened their squad with former West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor, while Guyana Amazon Warriors secured the services of Realeanna Grimmond and Ashmini Munisar. Trinbago Knight Riders added Jahzara Claxton to their roster.

The local player selections were completed following the conclusion of the protected-player phase of the draft, as franchises finalised the regional component of their squads. Each team will now add five overseas players to create 15-member squads for the 2026 campaign. Under revised tournament regulations, all five overseas players will be eligible for selection in the playing eleven, which gives teams increased flexibility in squad composition throughout the tournament.

The Tridents’ squad: Hayley Matthews, Qiana Joseph, Afy Fletcher, Shawnisha Hector, Shabika Gajnabi, Mandy Mangru, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Naijanni Cumberbatch, Asabi Callender and Amrita Ramtahal.

Jamaica Empress: Chinelle Henry, Stafanie Taylor, Aaliyah Alleyne, Rashada Williams, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Kate Wilmott, Celina Whyte, Abigail Bryce, Shriya Jairam

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Shemaine Campbelle, Realeanna Grimmond, Ashmini Munisar, Shamilia Connell, Eboni Brathwaite, Sheneta Grimmond, Chedean Nation, Reniece Boyce, Latoya Williams, Tilleya Madramootoo

Trinbago Knight Riders: Karishma Ramharack, Deandra Dottin, Jahzara Claxton, Steffie Soogrim, Jannillea Glasgow, Earnisha Fontaine, Samara Ramnath, Ameila Khan, Brianna Harricharan, Sainavi Kambalapalli. (JC)