West Indies great Kieron Pollard has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League after 13 years and five titles with Mumbai Indians.
Pollard, who made the announcement in a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, took the decision after failing to see himself in MI’s scheme of things going forward as the franchise enters a transition phase.
The all-rounder added that his loyalty to the franchise is such that he cannot imagine himself representing any other team in the IPL.
With that said, it is not the end of the road for Pollard with Mumbai Indians as the former West Indies captain has agreed to take over as the team’s batting coach.
Only a handful of players in the IPL have featured in 100 or more games for a single franchise. Pollard stands second in the list of most appearances for a single club having played in 189 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians. Virat Kohli stands at the top with his record for Royal Challengers Bangalore, while others on the list include Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011), Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians from 2013) and Lasith Malinga (who had two stints at Mumbai ). In those 189 matches, he scored 3412 runs, scored 16 fifties and took 69 wickets, becoming one of the most successful players the league has ever seen.
Pollard’s full statement: “It has not been the easiest decision to make as I intend to continue playing for a few more years, but after discussions with Mumbai Indians, I have decided to call time on my IPL career . I understand that this incredible franchise that has achieved so much needs a transition and if I’m not going to play for MI anymore then I can’t see myself playing against MI, ‘Once an MI always an MI’.
This is not an emotional farewell to MI though as I have agreed to take on the role of batting coach in the IPL as well as playing with MI Emirates. This next chapter of my career is really exciting and allows me to transition myself from playing to coaching,
I am extremely proud, honored and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the last 13 seasons. It has always been an aspiration to play for this fantastic team and although I will miss the IPL buzz you get as a player, I take solace in knowing that I have been lucky enough to have played with some of the best players in the world . in front of our passionate fans. I have always felt and appreciated their unconditional support both on and off the field. Together, we won the Champions League in 2011 and 2013 and the IPL in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
I have to say a big thank you to the coaches, managers and other backroom support staff that we have had at Mumbai Indians and that I now join. We would not have achieved the success over the years without their hard work, dedication and commitment to creating the best environment and I 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 shoes I now fill.
Most sincerely, I express my deep appreciation to Mukesh, Nita and Akash Ambani for their immense love, support and respect that I have always felt and for the faith they have placed in me. I remember our first meeting when they welcomed me with open arms saying “We are family”. These were not just words but were demonstrated by their every action during my time with Mumbai Indians.”
Finally, I want to say a special thank you to my friends and family, especially my wife, Jenna, and my three beautiful children for all the love, support, and many sacrifices they have made over the years and will continue to make for her. allowed me to fulfill my childhood dream of playing cricket at the highest levels for such a long time.
Today I take this step with hope and excitement towards the future knowing that I will play a role in an institution whose values are so close to me, where “We are family”
