HIGH EXPECTATIONS
The pressure is on for four-time Republic Bank Limited Caribbean Premier League T20 winners Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to notch a historic fifth crown.
Despite the franchise boasting of the tournament’s most title wins, TKR’s star-studded line-up is under the gun from its die-hard fans for the 2023 edition. So said recently retained TKR players Nicholas Pooran and Akeal Hosein, who agreed that while they are favorites to lift the trophy on paper, expectations, particularly from their fans are high.
At last year’s edition, a talent-ridden TKR failed to make the CPLT20 playoffs although they boasted the likes of talismatic T20 players such as skipper Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jayden Seals, Pooran and Hosein all of whom were retained while TKR have once again secured the services of former captain Dwayne Bravo, who returned for 2023 after a two-year stint at St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, where he lifted the title in 2021.
West Indies’ player Dwayne Bravo. Associated Press / Aijaz Rahi, File
However, Bravo is the most successful CPLT20 player, having won the trophy five times, four with TKR and one with Patriots, two years ago.
Joining the skillful set-up of cricketers is former West Indies Head Coach, Phil Simmons.
Pooran recently said this year’s edition is all business for Knight Riders. “We have to win. There’s no laughing, no smiling, none. It’s all about winning the CPLT20 this year. We have the best superstars in the world when it comes to T20 cricket and we faced embarrassment last year.
We want to win the cup this year. There’s no secret about it and we need to put in the hard work both on and off the field and find a way to win.”
When asked if these high expectations could be delivered on the field considered their shabby 2022 season, Pooran said while the team’s player strengths bring veracity to their attack, coming with it, is added pressure to win.
A CPLT20 statement recently saw newly appointed TKR coach Simmons hail his artillery of players.
“We are very happy to be able to retain most of the Caribbean players from last year’s TKR squad. The experience of Pollard, Narine, Russell and Pooran, coupled with Bravo’s return gives our squad a very strong core. In youngsters like Hosein, Sealed, and Deyal, we have some of the best young talent from Trinidad representing TKR.
“We’re looking forward to the remaining international signings, and I am excited by the player draft coming up soon to complete the roster and put together a strong squad for CPLT20.”
The CPLT20 bowls off at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia on Aug. 16 with St. Lucia Kings hosting Jamaica Tallawahs. TKR get their campaign underway on Aug. 19 at the same venue, against the Patriots.
