CPL 2025 Final: Emotions High as Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders Prepare for Fierce Showdown
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 final promises to be a blockbuster as two of the tournament’s fiercest rivals — Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) — face off at Providence on Sunday. With high stakes and even higher emotions, both teams are relying on experience, composure, and form to secure the coveted title.
“It's About Controlling Those Emotions”
Both camps emphasized the importance of emotional control ahead of the high-pressure clash. TKR assistant coach Ottis Gibson highlighted that managing emotions would be crucial in determining the winner.
“Emotions — that's the beauty of sport, isn't it?” Gibson said. “The team that handles those emotions the best will most likely come out on top. This is the CPL final — it's a big day in the Caribbean. Guyana will have home advantage, but we’ve got experienced players who have won big finals before — IPL, World Cups — and we’ll be leaning on that again.”
Gibson pointed to the leadership and experience of TKR stars like Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran — veterans with international T20 pedigree. Notably, Pooran, despite his explosive T20 career, is still chasing his first CPL title after 12 seasons.
Home Advantage for Guyana, but Focus on Staying Grounded
Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach Lance Klusener echoed Gibson’s sentiments, saying: “It's just [about] controlling those emotions and trying to make sure they don't get in the way of making cricketing decisions on the move.”
With the final taking place at their home ground in Providence, GAW will benefit from massive local support. But Klusener emphasized the importance of focus and clarity under pressure, particularly for younger players stepping into the limelight.
Quentin Sampson – From Tape-Ball Cricket to CPL Final
One of the stories of CPL 2025 has been the rise of 25-year-old Quentin Sampson. The Guyanese pinch-hitter, who rose from tape-ball cricket, has made a stunning impact in his debut season, scoring consecutive fifties against St Lucia Kings and Barbados Royals to guide GAW into the final.
“Sampson has taken his opportunity,” said Klusener. “Sport is about those little chances that come along. He’s responded to that, and I’m thoroughly happy for him. The ball is in his court now.”
Klusener urged Sampson to use this experience as a springboard for growth. “This competition will finish, and he will go back to his country. It’s up to him to make those changes he needs to make and grow.”
A Title Long Overdue
For Trinbago Knight Riders, the motivation runs deep. TKR have not lifted the CPL trophy since their undefeated season in 2020. The drought has only intensified the hunger among the players and management.
“We haven’t won it for so long — that’s the main motivator,” Gibson said. “Andre [Russell], Pooran — everyone is driven. We can't wait to get started.”
Rivalry Renewed
The Guyana-Trinidad rivalry is the most intense in CPL history, and Sunday’s final is set to add another fiery chapter. With youth and experience, local pride and regional rivalry, and title ambitions all in play, this final is more than just a game — it’s a battle for Caribbean cricket supremacy.
Stay tuned for full match coverage, post-match analysis, and more on the CPL 2025 Final.