NewKerala.com

Barbados Tridents Return: Royals Renamed for CPL 2026 Season

The Barbados franchise in the Caribbean Premier League will revert to its former identity as the Barbados Tridents from the 2026 season. The rebranding ends a five-year run under the Barbados Royals name and includes a return to the national blue-and-yellow colours. The move is part of a new "One Barbados" partnership involving the Government of Barbados as a minority co-investor. The Tridents originally played under that name from 2013 to 2020, winning titles in 2014 and 2019.

Key Points: Barbados Tridents Return: Royals Renamed for CPL 2026

  • Barbados Royals renamed Barbados Tridents for CPL 2026
  • Team returns to blue-and-yellow national colours
  • Government becomes minority co-investor in franchise
  • Pink Promise charity match to be organised
  • Team won titles in 2014 and 2019 as Tridents
2 min read

Barbados Royals renamed as Barbados Tridents ahead of CPL 2026

Barbados franchise in CPL reverts to Tridents name from 2026, with new blue-and-yellow colors and a government partnership.

"Relaunching the franchise as the Barbados Tridents, playing in the national colours, is a powerful statement of pride and intent. - Manoj Badale"

Bridgetown, May 13

The Barbados franchise in the Caribbean Premier League will revert to its former identity as the Barbados Tridents from the 2026 season, ending a five-year run under the Barbados Royals name.

The franchise, owned by Royals Sports Group, also announced a return to Barbados' traditional blue-and-yellow national colours, replacing the pink kit that had been used since the 2021 rebranding.

The move is part of a new three-year "One Barbados" partnership involving the Government of Barbados, which is set to become a minority co-investor in the franchise, subject to regulatory approvals. Majority ownership and day-to-day operations will continue to remain with Royals Sports Group, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The rebranding will apply to both the men's and women's teams, including the Women's CPL side launched in 2022.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said the revival of the Tridents' identity reflected the country's pride and ambitions as it approaches 60 years of independence.

"Cricket has long been a core pillar of our national identity and self-determination. As such, it is incredibly fitting that through this partnership, we will see ourselves represented, in our national colours, with a name that speaks to who we are," Mottley said in a joint statement.

Royals Sports Group lead owner Manoj Badale described the collaboration as a landmark public-private partnership in franchise cricket.

"Relaunching the franchise as the Barbados Tridents, playing in the national colours, is a powerful statement of pride and intent," Badale said.

"We remain fully committed to Barbados, to the CPL, and to one clear ambition: sustained success, with both the men's and women's CPL titles brought home to the island," he added.

As part of the initiative, the franchise will also organise a "Pink Promise" charity match during the CPL season to support charitable causes in Barbados.

The Tridents were one of the original CPL franchises and played under that name from the league's inception in 2013 until 2020, winning titles in 2014 and 2019. They were renamed Barbados Royals after Royals Sports Group acquired the team in 2021.

Led by West Indies batter Rovman Powell, the franchise endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing bottom of the table. The 2026 CPL season is scheduled to begin on August 8, with Barbados Tridents set to open their campaign against Jamaica Kingsmen on August 11.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is interesting. But I wonder why they changed it in the first place if the Tridents brand was so successful with two titles? Seems like a lot of back-and-forth. At least the government partnership is a good sign - shows they're thinking long-term about cricket development in the region. Hope the pink charity match idea works well too.
M
Michael C
The PM's statement about cricket being a pillar of national identity resonates deeply - reminds me of how we feel about cricket in India. That said, I'm sceptical about governments owning stakes in sports franchises. Could lead to unnecessary political interference. Badale seems capable though, so maybe this works out.
K
Kavya N
Love the return to traditional blue and yellow! As someone who watched the early CPL years, the Tridents were iconic. That 2014 final against the Zouks still gives me chills. Hope Rovman Powell leads them to glory in 2026. The pink jerseys always looked out of place in the Caribbean sun anyway 😄
D
David E
I think this is positive for Caribbean cricket overall. The franchise needs a fresh identity after a poor 2025 season. But I hope the government involvement doesn't lead to too much bureaucracy. Badale's track record with Rajasthan Royals is good - he knows how to build winning teams. Let's see if the Tridents can reclaim their glory days.
R
Rohit P
The "Pink Promise" charity match is a nice touch - keeps the pink legacy alive in a meaningful way. As an Indian, I appreciate how cricket franchises are increasingly engaging with local communities. The PM's quote about 60 years

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50