West Indies T20 legend Kieron Pollard has joined Surrey and will be playing participating in county cricket for the first time in over 10 years. He will be reunited with his national teammate Sunil Narine.
West Indies limited-overs captain Kieron Pollard officially announced his retirement from international cricket a last month after serving the side for 15 long years. But Pollard is in not yet call it quits in franchise cricket.
He has been playing in PSL, BBL and of course the IPL. But now he is eyeing a place in T20 Blast Side.
Surrey confirmed the deal on Friday and the all-rounder is expected to play his debut match in their second home game of the season on Kia Oval against Gloucestershire.
“It has been quite some time since I’ve played county cricket and I’m thrilled to be returning to the Vitality Blast competition in Surrey colors this year,” Pollard said in a Surrey press release. “The Kia Oval is a special place to play, especially in front of a full house.
Several English players including, Sam and Tom Curran, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes, Jason Roy, and Reece Topley, would not be available at various stages due to national team matches against New Zealand and the Netherlands. However, Pollard’s and Narine’s inclusion has lifted their hopes.
“We’re very pleased to bring Kieron to the club,” Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, said. “He brings an incredible range of skills as well as experience at the very highest level of the sport. His all-around ability will make a significant difference to the depth of the squad.”
“This Surrey side is full of talent and should certainly be mounting a challenge for the title,” Pollard added. “I hope that my experience will add a vital ingredient to the club’s success this year.”
A legend of the 20-over format with 15 individual trophy wins, including two T20 World Cups and five IPL titles, the 35-year-old’s signing represents a major coup even for a club of the size of Surrey.
Only Chris Gayle and Shoaib Malik have scored more runs in the 20-over format than Pollard, whose 11,571 runs in 592 matches have come at a strike rate of 151.09, thanks to hitting 773 sixes.
His explosiveness was never better exhibited than in March 2021 when he became the first West Indian to hit six maximums in an over against Sri Lanka’s Akila Dhananjaya.
He is also a handy seamer, having taken 308 wickets at 24.99.
It is a pleasure to see the big hitting West Indian, Polly in Surrey colours.
His contribution and experience will definitely be an asset to the club.
Welcome to the English Blast.