By winning their 5th title in 10 years, the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) managed to cement their legacy as the best dynasty ever in the history of West Indies franchise T20 cricket. Their latest title in the recently finished 2025 season saw them get back on track after a four year drought. It has been a disappointing stretch since their record breaking, perfect 2020 campaign, when fans expected them to win at least 1 more right after. However, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 were all unsuccessful until this season rolled around. Now, with 5 titles to their name, the team extended the record and is by far the most trophy winning team in their league. What is more, they are among the few teams in the world of cricket to win that many titles in a decade.
Now that the season is over and the players and the staff can relax a bit, a question remains: how does the CPL win change the legacy of TKR? What does this fifth title mean exactly? Whose careers does it impact the most, and how does it shape the future of the team, the league, and cricket in the Caribbean? If you are a fan of West Indies cricket, stick with us to the end as we explore what the latest championship means. Good news does not end there. With the Trinbago Knight Riders’ Partnership with Stake coming before the season, it means that the Stake sponsorship curse is finally over!
Legacy Cemented
There is no denying it: the 2025 Caribbean Premier League season will be remembered as a defining chapter in the tournament’s history, thanks to the Trinbago Knight Riders securing a record extending fifth title. Already the most decorated franchise in CPL history, this latest triumph does not just add another trophy to their cabinet. It alters the narrative surrounding the team, its key players, and the league itself. With this fifth championship, TKR has not only solidified their status as a cricketing dynasty but also confirmed their enduring influence on Caribbean cricket culture and the sport’s evolution in the region.
Winning five CPL titles in the league’s 13 season history places TKR in a stratosphere of its own. No other team has come close to matching that level of consistency and dominance. While the CPL has always been competitive, with franchises like the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs having their moments, TKR’s sustained success has made them the standard against which all other teams are measured.
This latest victory was not a fluke. It was a masterclass in squad building, leadership, and execution. TKR’s success over the years has come from a strong core of experienced campaigners, a strategic use of local and international talent, and a clear identity built on aggressive but intelligent cricket. The fifth title, coming in 2025, only reaffirms their ability to evolve with the game while maintaining their core strengths. With the 2023 finals loss, they also bounced back and showed that losing at the highest level and then performing poorly can be turned around.
Stars That Shone the Brightest
The 2025 season saw the resurgence and elevation of several star players, both veterans and rising names, who were pivotal in securing the title. Sunil Narine, the heart and soul of TKR since the league’s inception, once again proved that age is just a number. His economical spells and ability to pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs were instrumental. Narine, already considered one of the greatest T20 players of all time, now adds a fifth CPL title to his glittering resume. It further strengthens his legacy not just in CPL and the West Indies, but globally.
Andre Russell, whose CPL journey began with the Tallawahs but has now become a match winner for TKR, was in imperious form in the latter half of the season. His game changing cameos with both bat and ball were crucial in tight matches. This title reinforces his status as one of the most impactful T20 all rounders of the modern era.
Youngster Nicholas Pooran, leading the batting charts for TKR this season, emerged as the face of the franchise’s next generation. With consistent performances and a calm demeanor under pressure, Pooran may well be stepping into the leadership mantle for years to come. IT comes naturally to him, and he already has his teammates’ trust. This title could mark the moment where he transitions from potential to legacy builder.
And what can be said about Dwayne Bravo? The player turned coach cemented his legacy by winning a title in his debut coaching year, adding to his four as a player, three of which were with the Knight Riders. His seamless transition from legendary player to leader and mentor proves that his cricketing intellect, charisma, and enduring influence make him a true icon in T20 history, both on and off the field. Players rallying around him and managing to win another title speaks volumes about his coaching prowess as much as their skill on the pitch.
Impact on the Caribbean Premier League
TKR’s fifth championship also forces a reevaluation of how success is viewed in the CPL. For a league often defined by its unpredictability, the rise of a single dominant team presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, dynasties like TKR’s provide storylines, rivalries, and a benchmark of excellence. On the other hand, it sets a high bar for competitiveness, urging other franchises to rethink strategy, development, and investment. Their deal with Stake.com is also a game changer that other franchises will look to replicate.
The CPL has grown significantly in reputation since its 2013 launch, and TKR’s sustained excellence has played a central role in that rise. The franchise’s ability to attract world class talent, its professional culture, and the passionate support from Trinidad and Tobago fans have made it a cornerstone of the league’s identity. With this fifth win, TKR’s brand becomes even more powerful and could help attract new sponsorships, grow international audiences, and boost overall league value.
A Boost for West Indies Cricket
Beyond franchise bragging rights, TKR’s success has broader implications for West Indies cricket. At a time when the regional game is searching for identity and resurgence on the international stage, the CPL remains a key developmental platform that could fill up the ranks of the national team in all three formats. TKR has consistently invested in nurturing young Caribbean talent, giving them a stage to rub shoulders with and learn from world class players in high pressure situations.
Emerging talents like Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein, and Tion Webster have benefited immensely from TKR’s environment. The franchise’s mix of mentorship and opportunity helps bridge the gap between domestic cricket and the international game. That pipeline is critical for a West Indies team that is striving to rebuild after years of inconsistency. Winning championships in the league can cause TKR players to seek glory with their national squad and usher in a new era for the Caribbean region.
Furthermore, the stability and success of a franchise like TKR injects a much needed sense of structure into West Indian cricket. While national politics and administrative issues have often clouded the regional game, CPL, and especially teams like TKR, offer a model of professionalism, continuity, and performance that the larger cricketing setup can learn from.
CPL Past Winners By Year
| Year | Winner | Runner up | Player of the Tournament |
| 2013 | Jamaica Tallawahs | Guyana Amazon Warriors | Krishmar Santokie |
| 2014 | Barbados Tridents | Guyana Amazon Warriors | Lendl Simmons |
| 2015 | Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel | Barbados Tridents | Dwayne Bravo |
| 2016 | Jamaica Tallawahs | Guyana Amazon Warriors | Andre Russell |
| 2017 | Trinbago Knight Riders | St Kitts & Nevis Patriots | Chadwick Walton |
| 2018 | Trinbago Knight Riders | Guyana Amazon Warriors | Colin Munro |
| 2019 | Barbados Tridents | Guyana Amazon Warriors | Hayden Walsh Jr. |
| 2020 | Trinbago Knight Riders | St Lucia Zouks | Kieron Pollard |
| 2021 | St Kitts & Nevis Patriots | Saint Lucia Kings | Roston Chase |
| 2022 | Jamaica Tallawahs | Barbados Royals | Brandon King |
| 2023 | Guyana Amazon Warriors | Trinbago Knight Riders | Shai Hope |
| 2024 | Saint Lucia Kings | Guyana Amazon Warriors | Noor Ahmad |
| 2025 | Trinbago Knight Riders | Guyana Amazon Warriors | Kieron Pollard |
Caribbean Premier League FAQs
1. What is the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)?
The CPL is a professional Twenty20 cricket league held annually across the Caribbean, featuring six franchise teams representing different Caribbean nations and territories.
2. When did the CPL start?
The inaugural season of the CPL was held in 2013, replacing the Caribbean T20 tournament. Jamaica Tallawahs won the first title.
3. How many teams participate in the CPL?
There are six franchise teams: Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, Saint Lucia Kings, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and Trinbago Knight Riders.
4. Which team has won the most CPL titles?
Trinbago Knight Riders are the most successful team, with 5 titles (as of 2025).
5. Who owns the CPL teams?
The teams are privately owned by franchise holders, including celebrities and business entities. For example, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan partially owns the Trinbago Knight Riders.
6. Who has scored the most runs in CPL history?
As of 2025, Lendl Simmons holds the record for the most career runs in the CPL.
7. Who has taken the most wickets in CPL history?
Dwayne Bravo is the leading wicket taker in CPL history, known for his death bowling and experience.
8. What makes the CPL unique compared to other T20 leagues?
CPL is known for its carnival like atmosphere, energetic Caribbean crowds, vibrant music, and colorful branding. It is a festive and culturally rich experience.
9. How long does the CPL season last?
The tournament typically runs for 4 to 6 weeks, usually between August and September. It features a total of 30 league matches, followed by 3 playoffs and a final.
10. Has the CPL contributed to West Indies cricket success?
Yes. CPL has helped develop local talent and provided a platform for Caribbean players to gain T20 experience, contributing to the West Indies’ success in international T20 cricket.
Trinbago Knight Riders Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Most Successful CPL Team
Trinbago Knight Riders are the most decorated team in CPL history, winning five titles (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2025). Their 2020 campaign was especially historic, winning the title undefeated with 12 straight wins.
- Bollywood Ownership
TKR is co owned by Shah Rukh Khan, the Indian Bollywood superstar, through Red Chillies Entertainment, in partnership with Mehta Group and Juhi Chawla. This ownership mirrors the brand of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Rebranding From Red Steel
Originally named Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, the team was rebranded as Trinbago Knight Riders in 2016 after the Knight Riders Group acquired the franchise.
- Home Ground: Queen’s Park Oval
TKR’s home matches are primarily played at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The stadium is one of the oldest in the Caribbean and is known for its lively atmosphere.
- Strategic Partnership with Stake
In July of 2025, just before the season, TKR announced a major partnership with Stake.com, a global crypto based sports betting platform and casino. The deal includes front of shirt (chest) branding on team kits and collaborative fan engagement initiatives, a rare example of a crypto sports tie up in Caribbean cricket.
- Legendary Players
TKR has fielded some of the best CPL players in history who have formed the core of the team’s continued dominance over the last decade.
- Dwayne Bravo: All time leading wicket taker in CPLSunil Narine: Star spinner and economical bowler
Kieron Pollard: Explosive all rounder and long time captain
Colin Munro: Consistently among the top CPL run scorers - Iconic 2020 Season
The 2020 season was perfect for TKR as they won every single match (12-0), becoming the first team in CPL history to go unbeaten throughout an entire season.
- Shared Identity With KKR
TKR and IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders share the same brand identity, team colors (black and purple), and ownership group. Their synergy allows for player development, shared marketing, joint events, and even player transfers since seasons do not overlap.
- Fan Base and Culture
TKR has one of the largest fan bases in the CPL, driven by strong cricketing roots in Trinidad & Tobago and the global following of Shah Rukh Khan. Their matches often feel like a mix of sport and carnival.
- Global Cricket Ambitions
The Knight Riders Group also owns teams in the USA’s Major League Cricket (Los Angeles Knight Riders) and the United Arab Emirates ILT20 (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders). They aim to create a global cricket franchise network, and are off to an amazing start.
