CPL 2025: Trinbago Knight Riders appoint Dwayne Bravo as new head coach

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have appointed Dwayne Bravo as their head coach for the 2025 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), ushering in a new era for the most successful franchise in tournament history. Bravo replaces Phil Simmons, who has taken up the role of head coach of the Bangladesh men's national team.A CPL stalwart, Bravo's association with the tournament stretches back to its inception in 2013. He played 107 matches across 11 seasons, finishing with 129 wickets at an economy rate of 8.74. Nine of those seasons were spent with TKR, a franchise he helped to four titles, and a fifth with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2021—his lone season away, which also saw him lead the side to their maiden crown.advertisement"It's an honour to be given the opportunity to be head coach of TKR, a team that's very close to my heart,' Bravo said in a post on social media. 'I would like to personally thank Coach Phil Simmons for his time and commitment over the last few years, and now I look forward to this new challenge for me and my staff.'
This appointment continues Bravo's growing coaching portfolio. Last year, he was named head coach of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20, another team owned by the Knight Riders group. He also served as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2025 IPL and had stints as a bowling consultant with Chennai Super Kings in 2023 and 2024, following his retirement from playing in the IPL in 2022.advertisementAt the international level, Bravo was the bowling consultant for Afghanistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the team made a historic run to the semi-finals before being knocked out by South Africa.TKR will be hoping Bravo's experience and leadership can take them back to the top after a mixed campaign in CPL 2024. The franchise finished third in the league stage but bowed out in the Eliminator following a defeat to Barbados Royals.Despite his transition into coaching, Bravo isn't done playing yet. The 40-year-old will feature once again alongside Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard for West Indies Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), set to begin in England on July 18. The Caribbean side will open their campaign against South Africa Champions at Edgbaston on July 19. Last year, they reached the semi-finals before being ousted by Pakistan.With Bravo at the helm, TKR will look to blend experience with youth as they aim for a record-extending fifth CPL title.Must Watch

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