Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Nov 14: MI Emirates have announced former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as their wildcard signing for the upcoming season of the International League T20 (ILT20), bringing him back to the UAE-based franchise for another campaign.
Pollard has been associated with the tournament since its inaugural edition in 2023. Announcing his signing on Saturday, the franchise posted on social media: "Wildcard. Locked. POLLY is coming home!"
Pollard was also signed as a wildcard player last season, alongside Nicholas Pooran, following the league's first auction. MI Emirates came close to lifting the trophy but lost the final to Desert Vipers, who went on to claim their maiden title.
Pollard boasts an extraordinary record in T20 cricket, having played 754 matches, the most by any cricketer in the format. He has scored 14,999 runs at an average of 31.71 and a strike rate of 150.92. He is now just 63 runs away from overtaking Jos Buttler as the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket.
His association with the MI franchise dates back to 2010, when he began representing Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He continued playing for the team until 2022 before taking up the role of batting coach. He was recently appointed head coach of Mumbai Indians for the 2027 season.
His growing responsibilities within the MI setup have prompted Pollard to make changes to his coaching and playing commitments. He stepped down as head coach of MI London in the men's Hundred in a decision taken in early November. He 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 African wicketkeeper-batter. Boucher took charge from former India all-rounder Robin Singh, under whose guidance MI Emirates won the ILT20 title in 2024.
The 2026-27 edition of the ILT20 will be held from November 21 to December 20 across Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
MI Emirates have also strengthened their coaching staff with the appointment of former South African cricketer Colin Ingram as assistant coach and former India men's fielding coach T. Dilip as fielding coach. Paras Mhambrey, who recently moved on from the Mumbai Indians setup, will continue as the franchise's bowling coach.