Kieron Pollard announces IPL retirement, takes over new role at Mumbai Indians.
One of the most prolific names in Twenty20 cricket, former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard on Tuesday decided to call it quits on his Indian Premier League (IPL) career after 13 seasons with league giants Mumbai Indians.
35 years old Pollard, Wanted to play for a few more years but decided to retire from the IPL after discussions with the five-time champions, a statement said.
The former West Indies star failed to fire for Mumbai Indians in the 15th season of IPL 2022 as the Rohit Sharma-led side ended their worst ever season. The five-time IPL winners finished 10th in the 10-team tournament last season. In 14 matches in IPL 2022, Rohit and Co faced 10 defeats and registered just four wins.
But Pollard can be called one of the best all-rounders the league has ever seen, scoring 3412 runs in 189 matches and taking 69 wickets with 16 fifties. The IPL legend, who has a very high batting rate of 147.32 and also taken 103 catches.
“It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I intend to keep playing for a few more years, but following discussions with Mumbai Indians have decided to call time on my IPL career.”
In a statement, the all-rounder said that he is out of the IPL and his loyalty to his franchise is such that he cannot imagine representing any other team in the IPL.
“I understand that this incredible franchise which has achieved so much needs to transition and if I’m no longer to play for MI then I cannot see myself playing against MI either. Once an MI always an MI.”
However, Pollard will play for MI ownership in the inaugural International League T20 in the UAE. He further stated that his move forward will not be an emotional farewell as he will be taking over as batting coach in the MI Franchise.
“This is not an emotional goodbye to MI however as I have agreed to take up the role of batting coach in the IPL as well as play with MI Emirates.”
Apart from the five IPL titles, Pollard also helped MI win two Champions League titles in 2011 and 2013. His strong association with the franchise continues as he is the team’s new batting coach. He will replace Robin Singh as batting coach in future.
“This next chapter of my career is genuinely exciting and allows me to transition myself too from playing to coaching. I am immensely proud, honoured and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons.”
“It was always an aspiration to play for this fantastic team and although I will miss the buzz of the IPL you get as a player, I take comfort in knowing that I have been fortunate enough to have played with some of the best players in the world in front of our passionate fans.”
And, at the end of his announcement, he thanked all those who supported him during his franchise.
“I must give big thanks to the Coaches, Managers and other backroom support staff we have had at Mumbai Indians and who I now join.”
“We would not have achieved the success over the years without their continuing hard work, dedication and commitment to creating the best environment and look forward to emulating their successful approach.”
“In particular I would like to pay special tribute to my good friend Robin Singh for his sound advice and guidance over the years and whose very shoes I now fill.”
“Today I make this step with hope and excitement towards the future knowing that I will be playing a role in an institution, whose values align so closely to mine, where ‘We are family.” he conclued
Watch;
A perfect tribute for Pollard by Mumbai Indians. pic.twitter.com/s2NdDVAIN0
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 15, 2022