Kieron Pollard Returns: MI Emirates Announce Star Wildcard Signing

MI Emirates on Saturday announced Kieron Pollard as their wildcard signing for the upcoming season of the ILT20, bringing the former West Indies all-rounder back into the fold for a tournament he has been associated with since its inception in 2023. "Wildcard. Locked. POLLY is coming home!" the franchise posted on its social media accounts. Pollard was also signed as a wildcard player last season, alongside Nicholas Pooran, after the league's inaugural auction. MI Emirates came close to winning the title last season but finished runners-up after losing the final to Desert Vipers, who claimed their maiden championship.

Pollard arrives with a record few can match in T20 cricket. He has played 754 T20 matches, the most by any player in the format's history, and scored 14,999 runs at an average of 31.71 and a strike rate of 150.92.

The veteran is just 63 runs away from surpassing Jos Buttler as the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket.

Pollard's association with the Mumbai Indians family began during his IPL stint from 2010 to 2022. After retiring from the franchise as a player, he became its batting coach and was recently appointed head coach for the IPL 2027 season.

His expanded coaching responsibilities have led to changes in his commitments elsewhere. Pollard stepped down as head coach of MI London in The Hundred earlier this month and has also opted out of his playing contract with Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in the SA20.

At MI Emirates, Pollard will play under head coach Mark Boucher, the former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter.

Boucher succeeded former India all-rounder Robin Singh, under whom MI Emirates won the ILT20 title in 2024.

The 2026-27 ILT20 season will be held from November 21 to December 20, with matches scheduled in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Earlier, MI Emirates strengthened their coaching setup by appointing former South Africa batter Colin Ingram as assistant coach and former India men's fielding coach T. Dilip as fielding coach. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey will continue in his role as bowling coach.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Featured Video Of The Day

Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver, Yashvir Singh Bronze As India Seal Double Podium In CWG Javelin