The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced that Denis O’Brien, the founder of Digicel, has acquired full ownership of Cricket Sporting Investments Limited (CSIL), the holding company of CPL Limited. This move follows a comprehensive sales process conducted by Digicel Group Holdings Limited (DGHL), the former majority shareholder.
The sale, managed by Oakwell Sports Advisory, involved a strategic engagement with key industry stakeholders and investors. Mr. O’Brien, a long-time supporter and shareholder of CPL, emerged as the new sole owner after the successful completion of the process.
O’Brien, who has been involved with the CPL since its inception in 2013, expressed his enthusiasm for the league’s impact on the region.
“I have a deep love for the Caribbean and its people, so it is exciting for me to see the impact CPL has had in uniting local communities – something about which I am very passionate,” O’Brien said. “I will continue to ensure CPL makes a positive economic and cultural impact in the countries where we play and use the tournament as a platform for developing stars of the future while shining a positive light on the Caribbean.”
O’Brien, a renowned entrepreneur, founded Digicel in 2001 and has a history of supporting regional development through various initiatives, including the Digicel Foundation, which has invested over US$147 million in community projects. His latest acquisition reinforces his commitment to fostering growth and opportunities in the Caribbean.
Richard Bevan OBE, Chairman of CPL, hailed O’Brien’s leadership and dedication to the league’s continued success.
“It has been fantastic to watch the CPL grow over the last few years, and we take great pride in seeing the tournament become the best-attended sporting event within the region,” Bevan said. “By Denis taking full ownership, it allows us to ensure continuity and support for the management team while working closely with CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, the CWI board, the CWI executive team, and other key stakeholders to create even more opportunities for the considerable cricketing talent we are blessed to have in the region.”
Pete Russell, CEO of the Republic Bank CPL, emphasized O’Brien’s pivotal role in the league’s journey since 2013.
“Denis has been a huge part of the CPL since the tournament’s launch, and it was his initial vision that got the ball rolling,” Russell said. “Denis’s decision to take ownership of the league highlights his faith in the future of cricket in the region and the role CPL can play in that future.”
Beyond cricket, O’Brien has also championed social movements in the Caribbean, including the Repair Campaign, which advocates for reparatory justice. His dedication to addressing historical injustices and advancing the region’s economic and social development complements his vision for the CPL as a unifying force in the Caribbean.
Under O’Brien’s stewardship, the CPL is set to expand its influence, continue fostering local talent, and further solidify its role as a premier sporting and cultural event in the region. The league’s new ownership marks an exciting chapter for Caribbean cricket and its global fans.