The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), a professional cricket team based in Port of Spain, Trinidad, have been one of the most successful and dominant teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Formed in 2013, the franchise has consistently performed at a high level and garnered a large fan base across the Caribbean and beyond. The team is part of the Trinidad and Tobago franchise, representing the island’s rich cricketing history and culture.
Over the years, TKR has established itself as a powerhouse in T20 cricket, winning multiple titles and producing several top-tier cricketers. This article will take a deep dive into TKR’s history, including their performance in the CPL, the number of titles they’ve won, key players, and other important statistics related to the team’s success.
The History of the Trinbago Knight Riders
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was founded in 2013 as a professional T20 cricket league in the West Indies, and TKR was one of the original franchises. The league was created to revitalize cricket in the Caribbean, attract global attention, and provide an entertaining product for cricket fans around the world. Since its inception, the CPL has grown rapidly, and TKR has been one of the most successful teams in the competition’s history.
The Trinbago Knight Riders are owned by the same group that owns the Indian Premier League’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), adding a certain degree of synergy and professional management to the team. Their home ground is the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad, which is considered one of the best cricket stadiums in the Caribbean.
Trinbago Knight Riders’ CPL Title Wins
As of 2025, Trinbago Knight Riders have won the CPL title 5 times, making them the most successful team in the history of the competition. Below is a breakdown of the years in which they clinched the championship, their final opponents, and notable performances in each season.
| Year | CPL Title Won | Opposition in Final | Final Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1st CPL Title | Barbados Tridents | TKR won by 7 wickets (Chased 152) | Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine |
| 2017 | 2nd CPL Title | St Kitts & Nevis Patriots | TKR won by 3 wickets (Chased 136) | Darren Bravo, Colin Munro, Kieron Pollard |
| 2018 | 3rd CPL Title | St Kitts & Nevis Patriots | TKR won by 3 wickets (Chased 137) | Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo |
| 2020 | 4th CPL Title | Guyana Amazon Warriors | TKR won by 8 wickets (Chased 155) | Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Bravo |
| 2021 | 5th CPL Title | Saint Lucia Kings | TKR won by 3 wickets (Chased 160) | Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Tim Seifert |
Breakdown of TKR’s CPL Wins
2015 – First CPL Title
In the inaugural CPL season of 2013, the Trinbago Knight Riders (known then as Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel) failed to win the championship. However, the team returned in 2015 with renewed vigor and managed to secure their first CPL title.
In the final, they faced Barbados Tridents and comfortably chased down a target of 152 runs, winning by 7 wickets. The performance of the season was mainly attributed to the captain, Dwayne Bravo, who led the team from the front with both bat and ball. Sunil Narine was also crucial, providing vital breakthroughs in the final.
2017 – Second CPL Title
TKR went on to win their second CPL title in 2017, this time defeating St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the final. The match was closely contested, and TKR won by 3 wickets, chasing down 136 runs. Key contributions came from Darren Bravo, Colin Munro, and the seasoned all-rounder Kieron Pollard.
2018 – Third CPL Title
In 2018, TKR clinched their third CPL title in another thrilling final against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. This time, TKR chased down 137 runs and won by 3 wickets. The team was guided by their outstanding all-rounders: Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo, who were pivotal in the victory.
2020 – Fourth CPL Title
In 2020, the Trinbago Knight Riders made history by going undefeated in the entire tournament, securing their fourth CPL title. In the final, TKR faced the Guyana Amazon Warriors and won comfortably by 8 wickets, chasing down 155 runs. TKR’s dominant campaign was marked by strong performances from Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, and Dwayne Bravo.
2021 – Fifth CPL Title
TKR won their fifth CPL title in 2021 after defeating Saint Lucia Kings in a tense final. The match ended with TKR winning by 3 wickets, successfully chasing 160 runs. Key performances came from Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Tim Seifert.
Key Players Who Contributed to TKR’s Success
Over the years, several players have made significant contributions to TKR’s success in the CPL. Below is a list of some of the most notable players in TKR’s history, along with their achievements:
| Player | Role | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Kieron Pollard | All-rounder (Captain) | Consistent batting, leadership, match-winning performances |
| Sunil Narine | Bowler, Batsman | Key bowler, explosive batting performances, wickets in finals |
| Dwayne Bravo | All-rounder | Match-winning bowling, crucial runs with the bat in finals |
| Colin Munro | Batsman | Key runs in crucial matches, including finals |
| Darren Bravo | Batsman | Solid middle-order contributions, especially in 2017 final |
| Lendl Simmons | Batsman | Consistent opening performances, including in 2020 final |
| Tim Seifert | Wicket-keeper Batsman | Quick-fire innings in 2021, providing stability and acceleration |
TKR’s Dominance in the CPL: A Statistical Overview
CPL Final Appearances:
| Year | Finalist Position | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Did not qualify | N/A |
| 2015 | Winners | 1st Title |
| 2016 | Did not qualify | N/A |
| 2017 | Winners | 2nd Title |
| 2018 | Winners | 3rd Title |
| 2019 | Did not qualify | N/A |
| 2020 | Winners | 4th Title |
| 2021 | Winners | 5th Title |
TKR’s CPL Performance by Season:
| Year | Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Final Position | CPL Titles Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 5th | 0 |
| 2014 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 4th | 0 |
| 2015 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 1st (Champions) | 1 |
| 2016 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 4th | 0 |
| 2017 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 1st (Champions) | 2 |
| 2018 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 1st (Champions) | 3 |
| 2019 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 4th | 0 |
| 2020 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 1st (Champions) | 4 |
| 2021 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 1st (Champions) | 5 |
Conclusion
The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have undoubtedly been the most successful franchise in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). With 5 titles to their name, they have consistently demonstrated their superiority over the years. Key players like Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Dwayne Bravo have led the team to victory on numerous occasions, and TKR’s unmatched consistency is a testament to their strong leadership, skilled players, and strategic planning.
Their domination in the CPL, especially in recent years, has firmly established TKR as the team to beat in the competition. The future looks bright for the team, as they continue to nurture young talent and build on their legacy as the most successful franchise in CPL history.
