West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard officially announced last week that he was ending his international cricket career. At farewell he has taken 4275 runs and taken 97 wickets in 224 international matches.
However, a week after he announced his retirement, tributes are still pouring in for him. Several of Pollard’s teammates congratulated him on a video compiled by Cricket West Indies.
All-rounder Jason Holder, a former captain of the national team, said that Pollard entertained many and played with a real spirit.
“I just want to say congratulations on your international career. You’ve been an entertainer for many. You played the game in the right spirit. I’m sure many fans around the world will miss you in maroon. All the very best to you in your future endeavours. I’m sure our paths will meet in the not-too-distant future…Continue to inspire.”
West Indies’ Dominic Drakes congratulated him and said he was a good player as well as a captain.
“He’s not just a good player, he’s a fantastic leader as well.”
Young fast bowler Oden Smith also added congratulations and said he was like a father in West Indies cricket. Smith said he has also given a lot of advice in his life.
“He’s been like a father-figure for most of us in West Indies cricket, showing us the ropes because obviously he’s been there, he’s done that. He’s given me a lot of advice, not only about cricket but for life in general. He’s done a lot for West Indies cricket over the years in One-Day and also T20s.”
Offensive batsman Rowman Powell said he was a legend in cricket and thanked him for everything.
“I know how much family is to you and it’s very good that you will get more time to spend with them. You’re a legend in our eyes; you’re a legend in the cricket world’s eyes. Thanks for the lessons, thanks for everything. West Indies cricket, the players, everyone, the fans truly appreciate you my brother.”
Wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva said Pollard was a match-winner, match changer, entertainer and a great man.
“Kieron Pollard, a match-winner, a game-changer an entertainer but most importantly, an overall great person on and off the field and for me personally, I have to thank you for the opportunity you gave me and the advice I’ve gotten from you and giving me that opportunity to go to England and further my career.
That was career-changing for me…We’re going to miss you in international cricket.”
Fast bowler Romario Shepherd added his congratulations to Pollard. Shepherd said he had learned a lot from him over the years and was grateful for every opportunity.
“To the big man Kieron Pollard, someone who inspired me; someone who I’ve learned a lot of stuff from over the years in international cricket. You always give me that freedom to go out on a cricket field and express myself. As a captain, I also made my international debut under your captaincy, so I’m always grateful for that opportunity that you have given to me and West Indies cricket will miss you.
Personally I’d like to say congratulations to you on your retirement and all the best.”
Former all-rounder Dwayne Bravo also said that although this is the end of international cricket, there is still a lot of cricket left to play. They also mentioned that West Indies cricket was lucky to have a leader like Pollard.
“Mr 55, welcome to the retirement group. Just want to say big congratulations to you Kieron Pollard on a fantastic career. It’s the end of an international career but I know there’s still a long way to go and a lot of cricket left for you to play.
It’s a great honour and privilege to call you a friend, call you a team-mate, call you a captain. It’s very important that you continue to support the next generation of players. I know the individual you are and I know definitely you will do so…West Indies cricket was lucky to have a leader like you.”
Youngster Jaden Seals added congratulations and said he was thankful for everything he was taught on and off the cricket field.
“Congrats on an amazing white-ball career Polly. You’ve done a lot for West Indies cricket form being captain to being a player…Thank you for all you have done, thank you for all the lessons that you have taught me on and off the field as a cricketer and as a person.”
Akeal Hosein noted that he was a great leader and a father to all.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say this is probably one the biggest pills of my career, it’s hard to swallow. Kieron You mean the world to me. You mean so much to West Indies cricket. You’ve been more than a player in my life and my growth and development.
You’ve been a father-figure, you’ve been somebody I could count on no matter what, cricket or life. You’ve been a very brilliant leader for West Indies cricket..and your job that you took upon yourself apart from cricket, you decided to mentor guys…so you were more than just a captain..you were a father-figure to us all.”
Also Nicholas Pooran said that what he has done for West Indies cricket cannot be summarized.
“It’s very difficult to summarise what Polly means to me and what he has done for Cricket West Indies. He’s my bigger brother, he’s my mentor, he’s my guide. He is the person I turn to for advice whether it’s cricket-related or in my personal life. Apart from myself, I know for a fact that he helps others in many different ways.
Polly is a man of many great attributes but to me he’s kind, someone that loves to see others achieve their full potential. He’s a man of integrity but most importantly, he’s a fair person…Continue being true to yourself; continue being a role model and most importantly, continue being a fantastic human being.”
Roston Chase said he regrets leaving the team early and had a good time with him.
“Just want to congratulate Polly on the splendid career that he had for the Windies. Sad to see that he’ll be leaving us so early. Had some good times with him on the field and played against him as well in regional tournaments…I just want to wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”