“No friends in this game”

– Keemo Paul Looking forward to facing off with Warriors

The Guyana leg of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) bowls off today, Friday, September 4, with what is expected to be a titanic clash between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Kingsmen.
For the hosts, they will be looking to solidify their spot in the playoffs early, while Jamaica is keen on staying alive in the competition.
For Saxacalli native Keemo Paul, stepping out onto the park at the Guyana National Stadium will feel a little different this time around, but for his new franchise, this game is a must-win.
Paul said about the crucial nature of tonight’s clash, “We see every game as a must-win game for us but also game by game. Tomorrow [today], it’s a big step; hopefully we can cross the line there. I know the Warriors; they’ve been playing some really good cricket. You know it’s going to be a tough game, but I think we can get it done. And, like you said, we want to stay in the tournament; we need a win, so we know what we have to do.”
Paul has been on a good run of form in 2026 and is hoping to contribute positively once again to his new team.
“I must give God thanks and praise for the year that I’m having. It started with the 4 days, and it’s here in the CPL, you know, it’s a good feeling to be performing, to be contributing to the team. Obviously, like you said, tomorrow night is a big clash here against Guyana. So, it’s something that I’m definitely looking forward to,” the all-rounder told media operatives during a training session on Thursday.
He added, “Looking to go out there, have fun, and play the same cricket that I’ve been playing and the brand of cricket that the team has been playing also.”
Quizzed about what it would be like to take on the Warriors at home, Paul noted that there will be no friendships once the first ball is bowled.
“Yeah, definitely. Have some good friends on the team, but you know me, once I step on the park, it’s all about business for me,” the Guyanese player said with a laugh. “I play hard cricket. I play with a lot of passion. Obviously, I’m representing a new franchise now, so this is my team right now. After the game, we’re friends, but on the pack, nah, we’re not friends then.”
The all-rounder went on to share his plans to quiet the Guyanese supporters.
“To be honest, first of all, to play in this atmosphere is great; it’s awesome. I haven’t played against the Warriors in Guyana. So, something that I’m mentally ready for and the way we’re going to quiet them is by playing good cricket, playing our same brand of cricket that we have been playing, and obviously, by inning. So, hopefully, at the end of the day, we come out victorious, and they could be a bit quiet,” Paul shared.
The battle between the Amazon warriors and Kingsmen is set for 19:00h this evening.