USA’s opening batter, Aaron Jones, who impressed with his powerful batting at the 2024 T20 World Cup, has been picked by the St. Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Holding a Barbados passport, Jones qualifies as a local player.
This move could be a stepping stone for Jones to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The St. Lucia Kings are owned by the Punjab Kings, an IPL franchise. With the IPL 2025 auction expected between December 2024 and February 2025, Jones might feature in the bidding event. Aaron could be a potential target for the Punjab Kings as well.
Jones’ success in the CPL would define his future. His performance could pave the way for him to become the first American cricketer to play in the IPL.
Associate nation players who have played in IPL
The IPL has a history of featuring exceptional players from Associate Nations. Cricketers like David Wiese (Namibia), Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands), Tim David (Singapore), Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal), Dirk Nannes (Netherlands), and Ryan ten Doeschate (Netherlands) have all played in the Indian Premier League.
More on Cricket
Jones in T20 World Cup 2024
Jones’ explosive batting is being showcased in the T20 World Cup, where he scored 162 runs with a strike rate of 135, including a dominant not-out innings of 94 runs in just 40 balls against Canada.
St. Lucia Kings Squad for CPL 2024
Heinrich Klaasen, Faf du Plessis, Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Noor Ahmad, David Wiese, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Matthew Forde, Aaron Jones, Khary Pierre, Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Shadrack Descarte, Mikkel Govia, McKenny Clarke, Akeem Auguste.