West Indies wicketkeeper-batter and IPL power hitter, Nicholas Pooran, has been appointed as the new captain to lead Trinbago Knight Riders, replacing Kieron Pollard for the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The left-hander first played for T&T Red Steel at the age of 17 under Dwayne Bravo, and became the youngest debutant in the history of CPL. Given the fact that Pooran amassed the highest runs with 504 in just 11 matches at the rate of 56 per match while playing for TKR in the last edition, he was the first choice player to hand over captaincy to him from Pollard, who served this role since 2019, and the franchise lifted the CPL title in the next year. After yielding two more playoff qualifications, the former West Indies cricketer will now play under Pooran.
Pooran has collected more than 9,000 runs, counting all worldwide T20 tournaments, hitting a strike rate of nearly 150. In IPL 2025, Pooran celebrated his best season while playing for Lucknow Super Giants, scoring 524 runs at an average of 43.66 and a strike rate of nearly 200.
“It means a lot, first and foremost, to represent Trinbago Knight Riders. It is a privilege that I’m getting the opportunity to lead this franchise.” Pooran shared his intent to carry on the legacy that has been transferred to him from Dwayne Bravo and Pollard. In the renewed TKR squad, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are also available. Meanwhile, the former CPL skipper Bravo will come back as a head coach, replacing Phil Simmons, who will now be a part of the Bangladesh campaign to guide the team as a head coach.
Pooran also played under Pollard for the Barbados franchise after the phase of recovery following a serious accident he faced in 2015. The trio collaborated for TKR a few years ago, but couldn’t clinch a title yet while playing together.
“I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be playing for, but I’m happy for the opportunity to still be on the field and help Nicholas ease into this role,” Pollard said with clarity about Pooran fitting in, while Bravo is also joining the campaign at the right time.
“He’s the right choice, and this is the right time. Just like I did six years ago, Pollard has now decided to hand over the leadership to someone who we think is on the verge of being one of the greatest T20 players.” Bravo said. The new head coach also said that they will ensure they will extend support to Pooran, who will commence a new journey.
Trinbago Knight Riders are set to start in CPL 2025 against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August 17 at Warner Park.
