P.M. Kamla Persad-Bissessar: ‘TKR A Symbol of Dedication And Competence’

UPDATE: The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) will be awarded the Chaconia Gold Medal, the nation’s second-highest award, during the Republic Day ceremony on Wednesday (24th September, 2025). Additionally, veteran cricketer Kieron Pollard and TKR captain Nicholas Pooran have been named Sports Ambassadors of T&T.

Meanwhile, javelin champion Keshorn Walcott, who recently won gold at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, will receive $500,000 and has been named a Sports Ambassador of T&T. The Eastern Regional Multipurpose Sport Facility in Sangre Grande will also be renamed “The Keshorn Walcott Multipurpose Sport Facility.” Sprinter Jereem Richards, who secured silver in the 400 metres at the same Championships, will receive $250,000 and has also been appointed a Sports Ambassador of T&T.

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Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, has issued a statement after the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) was crowned champions for a fifth time at a thrilling Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors in Guyana, on Sunday night (21st September, 2025).

In a statement on Monday (22nd September, 2025), the Prime Minister said, “On behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, I heartily congratulate the Trinbago Knight Riders team for its resounding success in the just-concluded Caribbean Premier League T20 competition. I applaud the players, coaches, managers and others associated with the franchise for its fifth victory in the 13-year history of the annual regional tournament.”

Mrs. Persad-Bissessar added, “The triumph is a testament to the cricketers’ skill and dedication, along with competent leadership and effective coaching. TKR’s repeated accomplishments illustrate what is possible through steadfast purpose and diligence. CPL has become a much-anticipated and celebrated annual Caribbean calendar event, as much for its intense on-field play as for the associated cultural festivities that demonstrate the unique richness and diversity of the region. It is noteworthy that TKR’s victory has taken place on the virtual eve of Trinidad and Tobago’s Republic Day and in the glow of the international successes of athletes Keshorn Walcott and Jereem Richards. Their respective glories have all enriched and inspired our nation.”

The Guyana Amazon Warriors won the toss and chose to bat first at the CPL final on Sunday night at the Providence National Stadium in Guyana. They struggled to build momentum, however, and managed only 130 runs from their allotted twenty (20) overs — leaving many fans and analysts to criticize skipper Imran Tahir’s decision to bat first, in what was ultimately a costly gamble.

In pursuit of 131, TKR faced several anxious moments, especially in the 16th over when Tahir dismissed Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell off consecutive deliveries. Shortly after, opener Alex Hales fell to Shamar Joseph in the 17th over, as TKR lost three (3) wickets in just five (5) deliveries. However, Akeal Hosein, combined with Kacey Carty, subsequently carried TKR to victory by three (3) wickets, leading the Knight Riders to become only the second team in CPL history to win the title after progressing through both the eliminator and semifinal stages. The Jamaica Tallawahs were the first to achieve this feat.

Congrats to the TKR!