Port of Spain, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have officially named Nicholas Pooran as their captain for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. Pooran is stepping into the leadership role previously held by the iconic Kieron Pollard, who has led the team successfully since 2019 and secured their record fourth title in 2020.

“It is a significant honor to represent the Trinbago Knight Riders. I consider it a privilege to lead this franchise. I aim to make the best decisions possible. This responsibility has transitioned from Dwayne Bravo (2013-2019) to Pollard (2019-2024) and now to me. What's even more fulfilling is that Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell are still part of the team, adding invaluable experience that I can rely on,” Pooran stated.

“I began my career at 17, playing for T&T Red Steel under Bravo's captaincy. After overcoming a career-threatening injury in 2015, Pollard selected me for the Barbados franchise where he was my captain. All three of us have now joined forces at TKR, and while we haven't secured a title together yet, I'm optimistic for this year.”

Pollard's tenure as captain was characterized by remarkable consistency and strategic insight. During his leadership from 2019 to 2024, the Trinbago Knight Riders not only clinched the 2020 CPL championship—marking their fourth title—but also did so with an astonishing record of unbeaten matches (12 wins out of 12), making multiple playoff appearances and affirming their status as the league's most consistent team.

While passing the torch, Pollard remarked, “Leading my home franchise for the last six years has been an extraordinary experience. I believe in nurturing the next generation. With Bravo joining us this year as the head coach, it felt like the ideal moment for a new captain to emerge.”

“Pooran is a homegrown talent, and this is the perfect opportunity for him. We have been preparing him for this role over the years. I don't know how much longer I'll be playing, but I’m grateful to still be on the field to assist Nicholas as he transitions into this position. He has shown significant growth and shares our values and principles. He understands how we play cricket and the winning culture we aspire to create,” Pollard added.

Pooran, a wicketkeeper-batter, is recognized as one of the top T20 players worldwide. He holds the distinction of being the youngest player to debut in the CPL, making his first appearance in 2013 at just 17 years old. Since then, he has built an impressive career, becoming one of the most explosive batters, accumulating over 9,000 runs across various global T20 leagues with a strike rate around 149.

Commenting on this transition, Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Rider Sports, expressed, “We are thrilled that Nicholas Pooran will be leading us into the future as we smoothly transition from Kieron Pollard. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pollard for his leadership and contributions. Pooran comprehends our winning culture and the responsibilities that accompany leading this franchise. We look forward to seeing him and head coach Bravo team up for what we hope will be another successful season for TKR.”

In the 2024 season, Pooran showcased his remarkable prowess, scoring 504 runs in 11 matches at an average of 56.00, reinforcing his capability to dominate any bowling attack. His fearless style, combined with a keen cricketing intellect, positions him as the perfect successor to uphold TKR's winning tradition under the mentorship of head coach Dwayne Bravo.

Sharing his perspective on this leadership transition, Bravo stated, “Planning for the future in leadership is vital. Once I felt I had accomplished enough as the captain of Red Steel (2013, 2014) and TKR (2015 to 2019), I sought the best candidate to ensure that our legacy continues. At that time, Pollard was the ideal choice. Until my retirement in 2024, I was fortunate to play under his captaincy, regarding him as one of the finest leaders in this format. Pollard and I share similar life values, both on and off the field.”

“In the same vein, we are now transitioning to Pooran, who has been learning a lot about cricket from us. He is the right choice at the right time. Just as I did six years ago, Pollard has chosen to pass the leadership to someone on the verge of becoming one of the greatest T20 players. We want to ensure we are there to support him every step of the way as he embarks on this journey.”

The TKR will kick off their 2025 CPL campaign against the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots at Warner Park on August 17.