The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league established in 2013. Contested by six franchise teams, the CPL has quickly become one of the top T20 leagues in the world. It features some of the biggest superstars in West Indies cricket, who light up the competition with their explosive batting, crafty bowling, and electrifying fielding.
With its carnival atmosphere and picturesque Caribbean venues, the CPL provides a thrilling blend of sports and entertainment.
The fast-paced nature of T20 cricket also means matches are filled with tense, edge-of-your-seat moments as batsmen look to score quick runs and bowlers try to restrict scoring.
In its short history, the CPL has already produced many memorable performances and nail-biting contests.
But a few bowlers have stood out by consistently taking wickets in the power-packed league. Let’s take a closer look at the leading wicket-takers in CPL history:
Highest Wicket Taker in CPL History List
Dwayne Bravo
The Trinidadian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is the highest wicket-taker in CPL history with 124 wickets. Nicknamed “Champion”, Bravo has been an integral part of the Trinbago Knight Riders franchise since the inaugural edition.
With his clever changes of pace and deadly yorkers, Bravo often keeps batters guessing. His variations make it difficult to get away even at the deathovers.
Bravo has an excellent average of 22.11 and an economy rate of 8.64 over 97 matches. His best bowling figures are 4/22.
Sunil Narine
West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine is next on the list with 101 wickets. Playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders, Narine has bamboozled opponents with his bag of tricks. His fast deliveries, sharp turn, and metronomic accuracy make him a constant wicket-taking threat.
Narine concedes very few runs, with a miserly economy rate of 5.32. His bowling average of 20.07 is also highly impressive for T20 cricket.
Narine’s best bowling figures are 4/12. His versatility makes him an asset for any CPL franchise.
Rayad Emrit
Veteran pacer Rayad Emrit has claimed 96 wickets in the CPL while playing for three different teams. The seam bowler relies on consistency and intelligent variations to outfox batters.
Emrit has an average of 22.75 and an economy of 7.64 over 85 matches.
His ability to nail yorkers and bowl well at the death makes him a valuable asset. Emrit’s best bowling figures are 4/21. Even in his late 30s, the Trinidadian’s experience and skill continue to produce wickets.
Krishmar Santokie
Left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie has excelled for four different franchises, claiming 85 wickets in 58 matches. His average of 19.90 and economy of 7.59 are a testament to his wicket-taking ability and control.
With his deceptive slower balls and inswingers, Santokie keeps batters on their toes. His best bowling figures are an excellent 4/18.
Though injuries have hampered him recently, Santokie has been one of the standout new-ball bowlers in the CPL.
Sheldon Cottrell
West Indies quick Sheldon Cottrell has used his blistering pace and unorthodox salute celebration to take 80 wickets in 65 CPL games. He has the best average on this list at 21.57 and a tidy economy of 7.60.
With his ability to generate uncomfortable bounce and move the ball off the pitch, Cottrell keeps batters hopping. His best bowling figures are 4/28. The Jamaican’s energy and speed make him a potent weapon for any CPL side.
Top 5 Bowlers with Most Wickets in CPL History
Here is the complete table of the Top 5 bowlers with the most wickets
| PLAYERS | MAT | WKTS | BBI | AVG | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Bravo | 97 | 124 | 5/23 | 22.35 | 8.69 |
| Sunil Narine | 96 | 101 | 3/6 | 19.6 | 5.27 |
| Rayad Emrit | 85 | 96 | 4/35 | 22.75 | 7.64 |
| Krishmar Santokie | 58 | 85 | 4/11 | 19.90 | 7.59 |
| Sheldon Cottrell | 71 | 85 | 4/20 | 21.77 | 8.67 |
The CPL has seen stellar performances from both batting and bowling stars since its inception. But the bowlers on this list have been the most successful at their craft.
Their skills, consistency, and versatility prove invaluable in the fast-paced arena of T20 cricket. As the league expands in the coming years, these bowlers will aim to hold onto their spots on the leaderboard.