Klaasen pulls out of CPL, Seifert named replacement by St Lucia Kings

In a major blow to the start of their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 campaign, Saint Lucia Kings, the sister-franchise of Indian Premier League (IPL)’s Punjab Kings, would not have the services of dashing South African hitter Heinrich Klaasen, the franchise confirmed on Wednesday (August 28). 

“The Saint Lucia Kings have replaced Heinrich Klaasen who is no longer available due to a family emergency. The Kings have brought in New Zealand wicket-keeper Tim Seifert as his replacement,” read a release on the CPL website. Seifert has previously represented Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the CPL. 

Klaasen, who last appeared for the South African side in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against India, did not travel with the team on their tour of the West Indies. The inexperienced Proteas team was thrashed 3-0 in the T20I series that followed the Test series which the men from Rainbow Nation won 1-0. 

Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza will also not turn up for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots as he pulled out due to an injury.

Gutted to be missing out on @CPL because of an injury
Wishing my brothers at St. Kitts and Nevis very best of luck for the tournament.
Time to go home now #alhamdulillah #VisitZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/E6Mym5rKYK

— Sikandar Raza (@SRazaB24) August 27, 2024

There were changes in other franchises too, as TKR roped in Andries Gous of the USA as backup for Tim David, who will not be available for the season's first four games. Similar is the case for David Miller and Keshav Maharaj, who play for the Barbados Royals. They will join the league after the end of the first two games due to their business with Cricket South Africa’s awards. Dunith Wellalage of Sri Lanka and local lad Shamarh Brooks have been signed as replacements by the Royals. 

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