Rahkeem Cornwall says choosing to represent the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was an easy decision.
“Things were finalised a couple of months ago when my agent called and told me that the Falcons wanted me to trade. I didn’t even think about it—I just said, Yeah, I want to come home,” the Antiguan all-rounder said on the _Good Morning Jojo_ sports show.
Cornwall, who played for the Barbados Royals in last year’s tournament, is now set to return to his roots with the newly rebranded Falcons. A veteran of the regional T20 competition, the hard-hitting right-hander previously featured for the now-defunct Antigua Hawksbills and says the timing feels right to once again represent home soil.
“Playing with Barbados and St Lucia, they made me feel welcomed, but getting the opportunity to come back home to represent the Falcons, I think this is the right time to come home to help the franchise,” he explained.
Cornwall brings valuable CPL experience to the Falcons. In 67 appearances, he has scored 1,164 runs in 61 innings, including a highest score of 102. Known for his power at the top of the order, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Liberta Blackhawks player also remains a threat with the ball, boasting best figures of 5 for 16 against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots during the 2024 edition.
Looking ahead to the season, Cornwall is eager to contribute in whatever role is required by the Falcons’ coaching staff.
“Playing with Barbados and St Lucia, I definitely had a role, so I just want to see what role the coach has for me. If it’s similar, then I know what I need to do and try to do it to the best of my ability. I think I’ll bring experience in terms of T20 cricket, especially opening the batting, to try and give the team a good start and have guys in the middle who can back it up,” he said.
Meanwhile, CPL 2025 continues to shake up the player landscape. The league recently confirmed that Sherfane Rutherford has joined the Barbados Royals, while Jason Holder will now suit up for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.
This year’s Republic Bank CPL will run from August 14 to September 21, with matches scheduled across six host nations—Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago.