Two-time CPL winners Barbados Tridents have been rebranded into 'Barbados Royals' ahead of the 2021 CPL.

Rajasthan Royals group, an IPL franchise, has bought a majority of the Barbados team's stake. This makes the third CPL team that has an IPL ownership after Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks.

Kumar Sangakkara, ex-Sri Lanka legend and current director of cricket at the two Royals teams, is excited to make growth in cricket through Royals.   

"Barbados Royals will be an important part of the Royals' cricket ecosystem. With a fantastic talent pool of local players, we have the opportunity to innovate and develop strategies that will benefit the Royals Group. We are also excited at the prospect of how we can promote growth in the game of cricket," he said.

Manoj Badale, Royals Sports Group Chairperson and the Lead Owner of Rajasthan Royals, said: "We are delighted to have signed this deal with Manish Patel, to acquire a majority stake in the Barbados CPL franchise. We are extremely grateful to the Barbados government for their continued support, and we look forward to making a positive impact on both cricket and tourism for the country. We have ambitious plans for the Royals brand globally, and this is an important strategic step."

The CPL 2021 kicks off on August 26 and will run till September 15 in St Kitts. Jason Holder will lead the Barbados Royals team. They will play their first game against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in match 2 on the opening day.