The Barbados Royals have secured the services of hard-hitting middle order batsman Sherfane Rutherford for the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), in a move that will see all-rounder Jason Holder joining the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

The two sides have also agreed for southpaw Alick Athanaze to move from the Royals to the Patriots for the 2025 season. 

Rutherford will be turning out for his third CPL franchise, having previously represented the Guyana Amazon Warriors from 2018-2020 and the Patriots from 2021-2024.

His addition brings further firepower to the Royals’ batting line-up as they look to mount a strong campaign in 2025. 

In a landmark move, Holder departs his home franchise after a remarkable run with the Barbados-based team since the league’s inaugural season in 2013 and having been part of championship wins with the Royals in 2014 and 2019.

The transfer marks the end of an era for the former West Indies captain, who has been a consistent leader and key figure for the Royals for over a decade. 

Alick Athanaze will also be joining the Patriots as part of these transfer moves.

He was one of the standout performers for the Windward Islands Infernos in the West Indies Breakout League.

Athanaze’s addition adds depth and versatility to the Patriots’ squad as they continue to build for the future. 

As per CPL regulations, teams are permitted to negotiate trades and transfers ahead of the official draft, which is set to take place next month. 

The 2025 Republic Bank CPL will run from 14 August to 21 September, with matches scheduled across six Caribbean nations: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago.