Trinbago Knight Riders Crowned CPL 2025 Champions

Trinbago Knight Riders CPL 2025 Final Victory Over Guyana Amazon Warriors

The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) are back on top of Caribbean cricket after clinching their fifth Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title in dramatic fashion, defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors by three wickets in the 2025 final.

The match, played at the Providence National Stadium in Guyana, saw the Warriors set a target of 130/8 from their 20 overs. Despite the modest total, Guyana’s spin-heavy attack fought hard to keep the game alive. In the end, TKR held their nerve, reaching 133/7 in just 18 overs to seal the win and finally break their five-year championship drought.

How the Trinbago Knight Riders Ended a 5-Year Trophy Drought

After winning the toss, Guyana opted to bat first but struggled to establish momentum against a disciplined TKR bowling attack. The Warriors leaned on their experienced spinners to make a contest of it, with Imran Tahir and Shamar Joseph delivering key breakthroughs to put TKR under pressure during the chase.

Veteran Kieron Pollard shifted the momentum back with a flurry of three sixes off Tahir, only for the South African to respond by dismissing both Pollard and Andre Russell in quick succession. With Alex Hales also falling to Joseph, the chase grew tense.

But in the closing overs, Akeal Hosein’s cool head prevailed. Smashing a six and a boundary off Gudakesh Motie, he steered TKR past the finish line, sparking celebrations from the Trinidadian fans who traveled in droves to Guyana.

Historic Fifth Title for TKR

This victory marks TKR’s first CPL championship outside of Trinidad and adds to their collection of titles from 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2020. In six finals appearances, the Knight Riders have now won five.

The Amazon Warriors, meanwhile, extended their unfortunate record, appearing in eight finals but securing only one championship win. Ironically, their sole triumph came against TKR, the only time the Knight Riders have lost a final.

Pollard’s Emotional Reflections

Post-match, 38-year-old Pollard spoke candidly about the team’s journey, reflecting on both criticism and resilience:

“The booing is boring now. We’ve become the laughingstock of cricket around the world. I’m not bitter, but I feel sorry, not for myself. I feel blessed to still showcase my talent and represent my country. Five championships later, this one means a lot.”

Trinbago Knight Riders CPL 2025 Journey Through Controversies

The season wasn’t without turbulence. Captain Nicholas Pooran made headlines earlier in the tournament for a heated exchange with an umpire during a clash against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. While he publicly apologized, he was fined 20% of his match fee for the incident.

Despite the scrutiny, Pooran’s leadership helped guide TKR through a challenging season, reinforcing their resilience on the path to victory.

National Pride and Fan Reactions

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was among the first to publicly congratulate the team. On social media, she praised their “teamwork, determination, and spirit,” emphasizing how proud the nation felt in the moment.

Supporters across the region also chimed in online. While Guyanese fans applauded their team’s fight, TKR faithful reveled in the long-awaited championship. One supporter commented:

“GAW played a great game! Kudos to them! But in the end, there can only be one winner – 5-time champions!”

Looking Ahead

By lifting the 2025 CPL trophy, Trinbago Knight Riders have reminded the cricketing world why they are one of the most dominant franchises in T20 history. With veterans like Pollard still delivering under pressure and younger talents stepping up, the team’s resurgence signals that their winning legacy is far from over.