Munro blazes 120 off 57 for Knight Riders

WEB DESK: In the fourth match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, the Trinbago Knight Riders defeated the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by a thrilling 12-run margin thanks to an incredible century from veteran batter Colin Munro.

After losing the toss and batting first, the Knight Riders scored an incredible 231/5, aided by Munro’s brilliant performance of 120 off only 57 deliveries. In response, they made a solid attempt with a quick start and a determined performance from the captain Jason Holder, but they fell short, finishing at 219/7.

The Knight Riders’ innings included an outstanding exhibition of aggressive T20 batting, paced by the energetic Munro. Making his CPL comeback at 38, the left-handed batsman soon established dominance, targeting the team’s bowlers right from the onset. He formed an impressive opening combination of 114 runs with Alex Hales, who added a fast 47 off 27 balls in a supporting role.

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Munro hit his fifty in just 21 deliveries and his century in an astonishing 50 balls, showcasing his incredible power and timing.

The innings were not just about gaining quick runs, but also about laying a solid foundation that allowed following batters like Kieron Pollard and Keacy Carty to push the total past 230. The Patriots bowlers, including the highly respected Naseem Shah, struggled to limit the run flow, with only Holder and Waqar Salamkheil taking two wickets each, albeit with a high economy rate.

Backlash over Pakistani players in TKR

This is the same CPL for which Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan came under fire from right-wing groups in India after his CPL franchise, TKR signed two Pakistani cricketers for the upcoming season. The team, which Khan co-owns through his Kolkata Knight Riders consortium, had added fast bowler Mohammad Amir and newcomer Usman Tariq to its roster.

While the signings were welcomed by many cricket fans, the move sparked outrage among Hindu nationalist groups and sections of Indian social media, with hashtags calling for the cancellation of the contracts. Critics accused Khan of being “unpatriotic,” citing strained ties between India and Pakistan.

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Analysts noted that the controversy reflects the increasing politicisation of sports in the region, where associations with Pakistani athletes often provoke nationalist backlash. TKR has so far issued no official response, nor signaled any intention to reverse its decision. Amir, an experienced international, has previously played in the CPL, while Tariq is set to make his debut. The row underscores the recurring debate on whether sports should transcend political hostilities, with supporters defending merit-based selections and detractors framing such decisions as tests of loyalty.