By Akeem Greene
In what is set to be one of the most significant player movements ahead of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has parted ways with the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Motie has been drafted by the Barbados franchise, which has freshly reverted to its historic moniker, the Barbados Tridents.
The move brings an end to a highly successful five-year association between Motie and his home franchise.
Since making his CPL debut for the Amazon Warriors in 2021, the 31-year-old has been an integral cog in their bowling wheel, claiming 64 wickets across 53 appearances.
He was a vital component of the historic squad that broke Guyana’s long-standing jinx to lift their maiden CPL silverware in 2023.
In an invited comment to News Room Sport, Motie expressed deep gratitude to the setup that launched his franchise career, while acknowledging the passionate Guyanese faithful who packed the stands at Providence year after year.
“Firstly, I want to thank the Guyana Amazon Warriors organisation for backing me at the start of my CPL journey and for the memories and experiences over the years,” Motie said. “A special thank-you as well to all the Amazon Warriors fans for their continued love and support throughout my journey. I love you guys.”
For Motie, the draft signifies a leap into unfamiliar territory. This will be the first time the wily orthodox spinner wears colours other than the iconic gold and green of the Amazon Warriors.
He lands in a Barbados franchise undergoing a massive cultural and structural reboot. Following a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them finish bottom of the table, the Royals Sports Group—in partnership with the Government of Barbados—recently announced that the team would ditch the pink kit and the “Royals” suffix.
Returning to their traditional blue-and-yellow national identity, the franchise is stepping into the 2026 season with a renewed sense of local pride under the Tridents banner.
Motie will not be entirely without familiar company in Bridgetown as he joins fellow Guyanese explosive batsman Sherfane Rutherford in a squad that boasts a strong core of regional talent, including Brandon King and up-and-coming youngsters like Zachary Carter and Kadeem Alleyne.
“Being drafted by the Barbados franchise is a new chapter in my career, and I’m excited for the challenge ahead,” Motie added.
“My focus remains on contributing in every way possible, continuing to grow as a player, and helping the team compete for the title. I’m looking forward to meeting the players, staff, and fans, and giving my best throughout the tournament.”
Overseas player selection will be completed over the next couple of weeks, as teams have a few more weeks to finalise their overseas selections.
The stakes are particularly high for the Tridents this season. CPL 2026 is scheduled to run from August 7 to September 20, and Bridgetown is geared up to be the epicentre of the tournament’s climax, with the iconic Kensington Oval confirmed to host this year’s finals.
Barbados Tridents Squad (Caribbean players): Guadakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Brandon King, Zachary Carter, Kadeem Alleyne, Ramon Simmonds, Shadrack Descarte, Rivaldo Clarke, Zishan Motara, Jakeem Pollard, Johann Layne, Kofi James
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