Kieron Pollard Takes Helm as MI Emirates Captain for ILT20 Season
Kieron Pollard Named Captain of MI Emirates
Kieron Pollard, the legendary West Indies cricketer, has been appointed as the captain of MI Emirates for the upcoming ILT20 season, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. At 38 years old, Pollard joins MI Emirates as a wildcard signing, alongside fellow star Nichola Pooran, ahead of the tournament. He will assume leadership duties from Pooran during the ILT20.
Pollard's Coaching Partnership
In his new role, Pollard will collaborate with Robin Singh, a former all-rounder for India, who serves as the coach for MI Emirates.
Pollard's Impressive T20 Career Stats
Pollard boasts an extensive T20 career, having participated in 720 matches, making him the most capped player in this format. He is currently 320 runs shy of Chris Gayle's record of 14,562 runs, with Pollard accumulating 14,237 runs at an average of 31.85 and a strike rate of 151.23.
On the bowling front, he has taken 333 wickets at an average of 25.36, including eight four-wicket hauls in T20 cricket.
MI Emirates Squad for the ILT20
In addition to Pollard and Pooran, MI Emirates has strengthened their lineup with Caribbean players Andre Fletcher, Romario Shepherd, and Ackeem Auguste. Fletcher was notably the highest bid at the inaugural ILT20 auction, fetching USD 260,000.
The team is set to kick off their campaign against the Gulf Giants on December 4 in Dubai.
MI Emirates Squad:
- Auction Signings: Muhammad Rohid, Jordan Thompson, Naveen-ul-Haq, Andre Fletcher, Nosthush Kenjige, Mohamed Shafeeq, Zain Ul Abidin, Usman Khan, Ackeem Auguste, Arab Gul, Tajinder Dhillon, Zahoor Khan, Shakib Al Hasan.
- Retentions and Direct Signings: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Tom Banton, Romario Shepherd, Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow, AM Ghazanfar, Muhammad Waseem, Kamindu Mendis.
- Wildcards: Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard.