Bravo, Bishop named inaugural CPL Hall of Fame inductees

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL), one of the most popular T20 cricket tournaments in the world, has announced its first ever group of inductees to its newly established Hall of Fame, and the two honourees are star all-round cricketer Dwayne Bravo and celebrated commentator Ian Bishop. The official induction ceremony will take place at a special Hall of Fame Gala Dinner scheduled for September 15 in Barbados, where the pair will receive formal recognition for their extraordinary contributions to the competition.

Bravo, a beloved Caribbean cricket icon, claims the distinction of being the first active and retired player to enter the Hall, while Bishop is being honoured in the non-player category for his unwavering support and coverage of the league since its first launch back in 2013.

In his reaction to the announcement, Bravo expressed deep humility and excitement over the honour. “It’s a real honour to be the first player inducted into the CPL Hall of Fame. This tournament has been a huge part of my career, and I will always treasure every title I’ve won here,” he said. The all-rounder, who has competed in top-tier cricket leagues across the globe, added that there is no experience that compares to competing in front of home crowds in the Caribbean. “I’ve played cricket all over the world, but there’s nothing like playing at home. CPL is a true celebration of Caribbean culture and the game I love,” he noted.

Bravo’s legacy in the CPL is unmatched by any other player in the tournament’s history. He currently ranks as the competition’s third-highest wicket-taker of all time, with an impressive 129 wickets to his name across his tenure. As a player, he claimed five CPL titles: four between 2015 and 2020 with the Trinbago Knight Riders, and a fifth with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2021. He extended that winning record even further in 2025, when he led the Trinbago Knight Riders to a championship victory as head coach, bringing his total CPL title count to six, making him the most decorated individual in the tournament’s history.

Bishop echoed Bravo’s gratitude, saying that the recognition holds a special place in a career built around service to cricket and the Caribbean region. “Cricket has given me so much, and commentary has allowed me to give something back to a game and a region I love deeply. To be inducted into this inaugural CPL Hall of Fame class, and to be recognised for the stories I’ve had the privilege of telling, is an honour I’ll carry with me always,” he said. Bishop also emphasized that the CPL is far more than just a sporting event, calling it a critical platform for showcasing regional talent, cultural identity, and collective pride. “This tournament has always represented something bigger than the sport itself, it’s a stage for Caribbean talent, culture and pride, and I’m grateful to have had a courtside seat to its history,” he added.

Beyond the induction celebrations, the upcoming gala also carries a charitable purpose: all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation, which works across the Caribbean to expand public awareness of prostate cancer and improve access to testing for the disease throughout the region.

CPL Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell shared that both Bravo and Bishop have been integral to the growth and global success of the tournament from its very first season. He described Bravo as one of the greatest match-winners the league has ever seen, and praised Bishop as the iconic voice that has brought the excitement and energy of CPL cricket to millions of fans across the globe.

Moving forward, induction to the CPL Hall of Fame will become an annual tradition, with new inductees set to be announced in advance of each year’s tournament, continuing the work of honouring the individuals who have done the most to shape the competition’s legacy.