‘[Enough] of the cussing’! DJ Bravo hints at TKR exit for new CPL pastures

The ‘DJ’ could leave cricket’s party capital. Trinidad and Tobago veteran all-rounder Dwayne ‘DJ’ Bravo claimed he will play no part in the Trinbago Knight Riders’ push for an unprecedented third successive Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 title this season, after he announced, via Instagram, that he wanted to enjoy his time.

Bravo captained the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel to their first CPL trophy in 2015 when he was named ‘Man of the Series’ and, after the Jamaica Tallawahs’ win in 2016, he helped the renamed TKR become the first franchise to win back to back titles in 2017 and 2018.

Photo: TKR captain Dwayne Bravo (centre) celebrates with bowler Kevon Cooper (left) after their CPL Eliminator win against SKNP at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba on 14 September 2018.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)

However, Bravo informed his considerable social media following—one million on Twitter and 2.7 million on Instagram—that he will seek new pastures this season with the announcement due in a matter of hours at Wednesday’s CPL draft.

Bravo said: “This is the Champion DJ Bravo. The CPL draft is about to take place in London on the 22nd, which is this Wednesday, so let’s see where the ‘Champion’ will end up this season. The biggest party in sport is about to go down so lock in and let’s see. The three-time champion, let’s see where he’s going to be this year…”


Bravo’s video message was reposted by the CPL’s official Twitter page.

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In a comment under the video, Bravo hinted that criticism levelled at him by Trinidad and Tobago cricket fans might have played a role in his decision.

“No TKR for me this season guys,” stated Bravo. “Sorry. But I have de nuff [sic] of the cussing. I need to enjoy my time now. Good luck TKR fans!!!”

Despite TKR’s historic success over the past two years, fans have not been shy to knock Bravo when things did not go well and the star athlete discussed his frustrations during an interview with Wired868 before the start of the 2018 season. For 2019, he has decided not to go through with it again, though.

Photo: TKR skipper Dwayne Bravo, (centre, front row) with match-winner Kevon Cooper at his back, celebrates his team’s capture of their second CPL title after they defeated the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the final at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba on 9 September 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

His potential departure would be a blow by the majority of TKR fans who were recently buoyed by the news that another renowned home-grown all-rounder, Kieron Pollard, would wear their colour this season.

Up to the time of publication, TKR manager Colin Borde did not say whether management was aware of Bravo’s imminent departure and if a replacement captain was already lined up. A source close to TKR, speaking under condition of anonymity, said the local franchise was surprised by Bravo’s statement and uncertain as to if it was a moment of pique of a firm decision.

Last October, Bravo also quit the West Indies team after accepting that he was unlikely to force his way into contention in time for the 2019 ICC World Cup, which bowls off on 30 May in England.

However after controversial Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron was replaced by Ricky Skerritt, Bravo accepted a place as a reserve for the regional team’s 15-man World Cup team and could still get his coveted swansong for the Windies if there is an injury.


Editor’s Note: Bravo did not go through with his threat and will remain with the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2019 season. Click HERE to read Roneil Walcott’s round-up of the 2019 CPL Draft.

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57 comments

  1. steups. sounds like a temper tantrum to me

  2. He’s afraid of a lil cuss?? Nah bravo. U shock me there. That’s trini second language. Or is it because pollard will b there. U acting like a lil p—y.

  3. Editor’s Note: Dwayne Bravo did not go through with his threat and will remain with the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2019 season.

  4. Bravo has done us very proud. He has been a top player for a very long time. I wish him well.

  5. Typical Trinidadian only when you on top they support you as soon as you do a little bad….in the bush for u….bravo still my player…

  6. The equivalent of an amputation? Perhaps worse, the implanting of a pacemaker?

    We shall certainly see.

  7. Well we still have what it takes to secure third straight title. One man can’t be the team. Yes he will be missed for his personality and fun way bit other players need to step up. Is it going to be like a Messi in TKR? Everyone has to make right decisions that will effect their lives positively for their life. I will definitely miss him

  8. Cussing fans gone to DJ’s HEAD??
    NAH, MAN!!

  9. yes but he is acting like it is Game of Thrones level cussing. I thought he had belly.

  10. Not good at all ….I’m concerned if Ali Khan follow him too…..he was fantastic last year with the new ball…

  11. Bravo trying to create pre Cpl draft hype maybe ?

    I don’t see how he possibly leaves

  12. Fans keep abusing the guy every season so he’s fedup.

  13. Is cuss does make Trinis perform !

  14. Funny enough, the TKR management seem to have been caught out by this announcement. So tomorrow’s draft should be extra interesting.

  15. Where to for Bravo? I’d put my money – as little as it may be – on the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

  16. Really interesting times. Odds on now headed into the draft that TKR would retain Narine, Ramdin and Darren/Khary – Munro as overseas – Ali Khan as ICC – Pollard as marquee

  17. What utterly bad news. Dwyane is our Champion and is our leader

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