Thu May 22 16:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Barbados Royals Land Rutherford in Blockbuster Trade, Holder Departs After Inaugural Stint**
**BRIDGETOWN, Barbados** – The Barbados Royals have secured the explosive batting talent of Sherfane Rutherford in a significant trade with the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots ahead of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). In return, the Royals bid farewell to long-time stalwart Jason Holder and promising batsman Alick Athanaze, who will both join the Patriots.
Rutherford’s arrival is expected to inject further firepower into the Royals’ already formidable batting order, which boasts stars like Rovmann Powell, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, and Rahkeem Cornwall. The move comes after Rutherford’s contentious exit from the Patriots last season.
However, the headline of the trade is undoubtedly Holder’s departure. A Barbados native, the all-rounder has been a cornerstone of the Royals since the CPL’s inception in 2013, contributing to championship-winning campaigns in 2014 and 2019. This marks the first time Holder will represent a franchise other than his home team in the CPL.
Athanaze, a 26-year-old left-handed batsman, also joins the Patriots in the trade. He contributed 179 runs to the Royals’ campaign in 2024, which saw them reach the Qualifiers.
The 2025 CPL is scheduled to run from August 14th to September 21st, promising another season of thrilling cricket action across the Caribbean. Fans are eager to see how these key player movements will impact the fortunes of both the Royals and the Patriots.
First Piper 