GEORGETOWN, Guyana [Peter Paul Media] – The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is celebrating 12 years of thrilling cricket, carnival vibes and endless, unforgettable moments since its launch in 2013.
Launched by Cricket West Indies as a new franchise Twenty20 competition, the CPL has grown into one of the world’s most exciting leagues, attracting global stars while giving young Caribbean talent a stage to shine.
The inaugural season kicked off in July 2013 with six teams — Jamaica Tallawahs, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Lucia Zouks, Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, and the Antigua Hawksbills.
The Jamaica Tallawahs, powered by Chris Gayle’s explosive batting, claimed the inaugural title. Since then, the league has delivered plenty of drama. The Trinbago Knight Riders, formerly Red Steel, have become the most successful team with four titles, including back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2018.
Barbados and Jamaica have also lifted the trophy twice each, while Guyana Amazon Warriors finally ended years of heartbreak by winning their maiden title in 2023.
CPL has not only entertained fans but also brought economic and cultural impact to the Caribbean. Governments and sponsors credit the tournament for boosting tourism and showcasing the region to a
global audience. Its carnival-style atmosphere, complete with music, dancers, and packed stands, has earned it the tagline “the biggest party in sport.”
Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when the entire tournament was staged in a bio-secure bubble in Trinidad, the league has continued to thrive. That year, Trinbago Knight Riders went unbeaten to clinch the trophy.
Over the years, cricket icons such as Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell have become CPL legends, while overseas stars like AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, and Rashid Khan
have added global flair. Rising Caribbean players including Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer have also used the league as a springboard to international success.
Now entering its second decade, the CPL continues to grow, blending world-class cricket with Caribbean culture — and proving year after year why it’s more than just a tournament but the Biggest Party in Sport.
Featured Photo:
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – Gudakesh Motie of Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrates with teammates, Romario Shepherd and Shimron Hetmyer after getting the wicket of Kofi James of Barbados Royals during the Men’s 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match between Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Royals at Providence Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
Peter Paul Media 