West Indies superstar Kieron Pollard has called time on his IPL career on Tuesday. He spent an incredible 13 seasons with the Mumbai Indians, helping the five-time champions reach great heights. Widely regarded as one of the best overseas recruits in the league's history, Pollard shared his decision to retire through social media shortly before the retention window for the 2023 season closed, following talks with the MI management about his position in the squad.
West Indies great Kieron Pollard on Tuesday announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League after spending 13 glittering years with five-time champions Mumbai Indians. One of the finest overseas star players to grace the IPL, Pollard made a tough decision to hang up his boots. The West Indian all-rounder took to social media to announce his decision, hours ahead of the IPL 2023 retention deadline. Pollard also expressed that he took the call after discussions with Mumbai team management over his role in the side.
On Tuesday, November 15, Pollard was listed among the 13 players released by Mumbai Indians. Though the legendary 35-year-old T20 all-rounder had been kept for Rs.6 crore during the 2022 mega auction, his recent form had declined. He struggled to deliver the usual fireworks, finishing with just 144 runs in 11 appearances, averaging under 15 with a strike rate of 107.
Pollard shared that while he intends to continue playing cricket elsewhere for a while, leaving the IPL was a hard pill to swallow. He believes the franchise needs to make room for new talent to maintain its success, and out of loyalty, he stated he couldn't imagine facing off against Mumbai Indians as an opponent. Emphasizing his bond with the team, he remarked that 'once an MI, always an MI,' expressing deep pride and gratitude for representing the league's most successful team for over a decade.
Mumbai Indians first brought Pollard on board in 2010, having been blown away by his raw power and all-round skill during the 2009 T20 Champions League. The franchise secured his signature for $750,000 after a fierce bidding war with the Royal Challengers, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Over his tenure, Pollard was a cornerstone of the team's success, winning five titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. He leaves behind a legacy of 3,412 runs, including 16 half-centuries, and 69 wickets, cementing his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in IPL history.
Very few players have shown the loyalty to stay with one team for over 100 matches, and Pollard is second on that elite list, having played 189 games for Mumbai Indians. While his playing days in the IPL are over, his connection to the team remains; he will serve as the batting coach for the 2023 season and will also represent MI Emirates in the UAE's ILT20.