St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots Face Major Setbacks in CPL 2024 After Rutherford Withdrawal

The St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots endure significant challenges in CPL 2024 after Sherfane Rutherford's withdrawal for personal reasons. Struggling at the bottom of the table, the team has a tough road ahead amid injury woes and a disappointing home record.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots confront escalating difficulties in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 as Sherfane Rutherford exits the tournament for personal reasons. This revelation surfaced during their final home game of the season against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. A replacement for Rutherford has yet to be named.

Rutherford, 26, participated in only four games this season, amassing 35 runs with a striking rate of 194.44. His departure leaves a notable void in the Patriots' lineup, compelling the team to deploy Dominic Drakes, primarily a bowling allrounder, in the no. 7 batting position against the Falcons.

The Patriots languish at the bottom of the points table, having secured just one win out of six matches. In their latest encounter, despite a valiant effort by Sri Lankan wrist-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who claimed four wickets, the Patriots failed to defend a target of 153 on a challenging pitch.

Struggling to snap their losing streak at their home ground in Basseterre, the Patriots have dropped 11 consecutive completed games at home since their CPL 2021 triumph. Captain Andre Fletcher voiced his regret to the home crowd, stating, "I must say thanks, but we disappointed them [the St Kitts and Nevis crowd]," as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Fletcher continued, "It's hard and I would like to apologise as the leader as well, saying sorry for not giving them a win on home soil. But all is not lost; we still have four more games left. We still have to go out there, play the cricket, play hard, and we will try to win the next four." Additionally, the team faces injury challenges with allrounder Kyle Mayers, who left the field after a two-over spell due to a suspected hamstring injury.

On a positive note, South African batter Rilee Rossouw has returned to action after recovering from a calf injury. The Patriots have contended with multiple setbacks this season, including the pre-season injury of Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar Raza and the unavailability of key players Wanindu Hasaranga and Tabraiz Shamsi. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)