The most party-like cricket tournament - the Caribbean Premier League. Every year, it attracts huge attention from Indian fans, because many IPL stars also play in CPL.
This 2025 CPL guide includes team analysis, title predictions, and betting options! a must-read for every cricket fan.
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was founded in 2013 by Cricket West Indies, and has become one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world.
From August to September every year, six teams compete across six Caribbean nations - including Antigua, Barbados, and Guyana - playing a total 60 matches.
The tournament uses a double round-robin format (home & away), the top four teams advance to the playoffs to battle for the championship.
CPL is known as a cricket party, mixing reggae, soca, and Caribbean vibes - every match feels like a carnival!
First, CPL features many familiar IPL faces - like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, and Andre Russell.
Second, CPL match timings (4:30 AM or 7:30 PM IST) perfectly avoid clashes with IPL or international games, making it a much better way to fill your cricket gap.
In 2025, the six CPL teams are: TKR, BR, GAW, ABF, STKNP, and SLK.
Each team represents a different region of the Caribbean.
While team rosters are finalized through an annual player draft, it's often the consistency of core players and coaching staff that determines whether a team is strong or weak.
With 4 CPL titles (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020), TKR is one of the league’s most successful teams.
Featuring big stars like Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell, and linked to the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise, they’re a fan-favorite among Indian viewers.
A well-balanced squad makes them unstoppable in high-pressure matches.
TKR is like the MI of the CPL - full of depth and experience, with match-winners always ready to step up when it matters the most.
TKR was formerly known as T&T Red Steel (TTR) before being renamed in 2016. Their 2015 CPL title was won under TTR name.
See full CPL 2025 TKR Squad Players List.
Led by Imran Tahir, GAW is known for its strong bowling and defensive game.
They’re one of the most "heartbreaking" teams in CPL history - reaching the final five times (2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019) without a win… until they finally claimed their first title in 2023.
Imran Tahir’s deadly spin and Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive batting, GAW is expected to retain its core squad for 2025.
Balanced in both batting and bowling, they are one of the top contenders for the title this season.
The team has a massive fan base and usually boasts a strong lineup, especially in bowling and all-rounders. They’re also known for performing exceptionally well at home in Guyana.
See full CPL 2025 Guyana Amazon Warriors Players List
Formerly known as Barbados Tridents (BT), the team was rebranded as Barbados Royals in 2021.They have won CPL title twice, in 2014 and 2019.
In 2024, the Royals were led by Quinton de Kock and Rovman Powell.
They performed especially well on high-scoring pitches, with an average team score of over 160 runs per match.
See Full CPL 2025 Barbados Royals Players List.
SLK won CPL title in 2024, led by Faf du Plessis and backed by a powerful batting lineup.
They’ve been one of the most consistent teams in recent years, frequently reaching the playoffs and even the finals.
This team boasts a mix of dynamic young players and experienced international veterans, showing boundless potential but adopting a relatively conservative approach. We look forward to their successful title defense in 2025.
See Full CPL 2025 St Lucia Kings Players List.
They won CPL title in 2021, but their performance has been inconsistent in recent years.
SKNP has some explosive batters who can change the course of a match in a short time.
They are the kind of team that can bring surprises - their results are unpredictable, and they often deliver performances beyond expectations.
Their 2024 performance was disappointing.
Even with Kyle Mayers in the squad, their bowling lineup lacked depth, and they will need fresh talent to step up.
See Full CPL 2025 St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Players List.
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons joined the CPL in 2024, replacing the Jamaica Tallawahs.
Led by Imad Wasim and Brandon King, the team showed potential but often lacked consistency.
Fans are hoping to see a stronger, more stable ABF in the 2025 season.
See Full CPL 2025 Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Players List
The Jamaica Tallawahs were sold after the end of the 2023 CPL season.
There were two main reasons behind the sale:
The new owners decided to relocate the team from Jamaica and rebrand it as the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.
The Jamaica Tallawahs won the CPL title three times, in 2013, 2016, and 2022.
The top contenders for 2025 CPL title include Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW), and the defending champions, St Lucia Kings (SLK).
CPL prize money changes every year based on sponsors and organizers.
The champion team usually brings home $500,000 to $1,000,000
(around ₹4.1 - ₹8.2 crore INR), which is shared among players, coaches, and staff.
Guess which team (or player) will smash the most sixes—it’s one of the most thrilling bets in CPL.
2025 CPL season will run from August 15 to September 22, with playoffs and final scheduled on September 17, 18, 20, and 22.
All four CPL playoff matches will start at 5:30 AM IST.
Most matches begin at 4:30 AM IST, except for 6 matches that will kick off at 8:30 PM IST (highlighted with red circles in the chart below, if it's available).
CPL 2025 is packed with big-name players, and for Indian fans, these four stars are total head-turners:
Pollard is the heart and soul of Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), leading them to four CPL titles!
A true all-rounder - he averages 35+ runs per match and often grabs 2 wickets. Big hitter + reliable bowler = total package.
He also played 13 IPL seasons with Mumbai Indians (MI), so Indian fans know him well and love his style.
Betting tip: If you're into CPL betting, consider backing Pollard for Most Sixes, or simply go for a TKR match win when he’s in the lineup.
Andre Russell is an explosive all-rounder known for his power-hitting and game-changing speed.
Every time he walks on the field, fans are thinking the same thing:
"How many sixes will he smashing today?" 🔥
He’s also dangerous with the ball - often picks up 3 wickets with clever pace variations.
In IPL, Russell is a six-hitting legend for KKR. In 2024, he helped KKR win the title! No wonder he’s a total fan-favorite among Indian cricket lovers.
Pooran is the young wicket-keeper and batting prodigy for TKR.
His calm starts and quick scoring ability really made him stand out - a rising leader of the new CPL generation.
In the IPL, he plays for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and is known for his strike rate over 160.
Indian fans love his energy, style, and the way he stays cool under pressure during big moments!
At 42, Imran Tahir is GAW’s ageless spin master! He led Guyana Amazon Warriors to the title with an average of 2 wickets per match.
His deadly googly and iconic celebration of running laps around the field have become CPL trademarks.
Tahir also shared the field with Dhoni at IPL’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
His spin wizardry combined with humble off-field behavior - often snapping photos with Indian fans - has won countless hearts.
Based on their 2024 performances and expected lineups, the top batsmen rankings are:
Although exact salaries are not publicly disclosed, based on market value and 2024 performance, the estimated earnings are:
The 2025 CPL final will be held at Guyana Stadium; all matches take place across seven venues in six Caribbean nations!
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