When Rovman Powell smashed 96 off just 39 balls for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, fans saw pure Caribbean firepower. But what they didn’t see was the loyalty behind the bat—the unspoken bond that keeps West Indian stars like Powell rooted to their IPL franchises, even when bigger paychecks beckon elsewhere.
In a candid and exclusive conversation, Rovman Powell—the hard-hitting all-rounder from Jamaica—pulled back the curtain on the “Caribbean loyalty” that defines his generation’s approach to franchise cricket. From his humble beginnings in Bannister to global T20 stardom, Powell’s story is as much about discipline and brotherhood as it is about sixes and strike rates .
So, what makes Caribbean players like him stay loyal to their IPL teams? And how have leagues like the IPL and ILT20 transformed lives beyond the boundary?
Born in 1993 in the rural parish of St. Andrew, Jamaica, Rovman Powell didn’t grow up with coaching academies or elite facilities. His cricket began on dusty pitches in Bannister, where raw talent and relentless practice were the only currency.
He made his international debut for the West Indies in 2016 and quickly established himself as a finisher with brute force and surprising tactical awareness. Today, he captains the West Indies in T20Is and is one of the most sought-after players in global T20 leagues—from the IPL to the SA20 to the ILT20 .
“It’s loyalty. It’s a Caribbean thing,” Powell told Times of India in a recent exclusive . He explained that unlike some players who chase the highest bidder each auction, Caribbean stars often build deep relationships with their franchises.
“When a team believes in you early, you don’t just leave because someone offers more money. You repay that trust,” he said.
This ethos is visible across the region: Dwayne Bravo stayed with CSK for over a decade; Sunil Narine remains a Kolkata Knight Riders legend; and Powell himself has developed strong ties with Delhi Capitals, even after being released and re-signed.
For Powell, T20 leagues didn’t just offer fame—they provided financial security for his family and community. “Before the IPL, I was struggling,” he admitted. “Now, I can build homes, support local kids, and give back.”
His journey reflects a broader shift: T20 leagues have become lifelines for Caribbean cricketers, especially as traditional domestic structures face funding challenges. According to a Cricinfo report, over 60% of top West Indies players now rely primarily on franchise income [[INTERNAL_LINK:caribbean-cricket-economic-impact]].
Beyond the IPL, Powell praised the rise of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE. “It’s not just another league—it’s building a cricket culture in a non-Test nation,” he noted.
With world-class facilities, high salaries, and packed stadiums, the ILT20 is helping the UAE develop grassroots programs, local talent pathways, and even women’s cricket. Powell, who played for Dubai Capitals, called it “a blueprint for emerging cricket nations.”
Always forward-looking, Powell made a bold prediction: “Hitting six sixes in an over? That’s going to happen more often now.”
He attributes this to three trends:
“We’re not just swinging—we’re calculating. Every shot is engineered,” he added with a grin.
Despite his reputation for brute force, Powell emphasized that natural power alone isn’t enough. “I train like a boxer—cardio, reflexes, mental clarity,” he revealed.
His routine includes:
“People think Caribbean players just turn up and hit. But we work harder because we have more to prove,” he said.
Powell’s story offers a roadmap for young players:
He’s now mentoring juniors in Jamaica, urging them to “respect the game, no matter how flashy it gets.”
Rovman Powell embodies a new era of Caribbean cricket—one where loyalty, hard work, and explosive talent coexist. His commitment to his IPL franchise isn’t just sentiment; it’s strategy, identity, and gratitude rolled into one.
As T20 leagues multiply and evolve, players like Powell remind us that behind every six is a story—and behind every story is a value that money can’t buy.
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