The Barbados Royals and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have finalised a major transfer deal ahead of the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), with Brandon King joining the Royals and Obed McCoy moving to the Falcons.

The CPL’s pre-draft trade window allows franchises to negotiate player transfers ahead of the official draft, set for next month. This latest exchange sees both teams strengthen their rosters with proven performers as they gear up for a highly anticipated season.

Brandon King, a consistent force in CPL cricket, brings a wealth of experience and runs to the Royals. The stylish right-hander has scored 1,837 runs in the tournament so far and was the leading run-scorer in 2019. He followed that up with another standout season in 2022, where he amassed over 400 runs and was named Player of the Tournament, guiding the Jamaica Tallawahs to the title.

His arrival gives the Royals a reliable top-order option and a potential match-winner as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Meanwhile, Obed McCoy strengthens the Falcons’ bowling attack with his sharp left-arm pace and death-over prowess. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines native has 56 wickets from 52 CPL matches, with a best season coming in 2022, when he picked up 15 wickets for the Royals. His ability to swing momentum with key breakthroughs makes him a valuable asset as the Falcons look to build a competitive squad.

These moves mark a clear signal of intent from both teams as they reshape their line-ups for the upcoming CPL season. With King bolstering the Royals’ batting and McCoy bringing firepower to the Falcons’ bowling unit, fans can expect fireworks when the tournament gets underway in the summer.