In a sudden and shocking announcement earlier today, Kieron Pollard revealed that he will no longer play in the IPL going ahead as he is being released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the next IPL mini-auction.
Kieron Pollard, in a long statement, said that he understands the fact that Mumbai Indians have now reached a stage where they need a transition and he will have to move on as a player, but while he is moving on as a player and can’t play for MI anymore, he can’t see himself playing against MI either.
Pollard also made it clear that he has no intentions of hanging his boots yet and he will continue plying his trade as a player in different T20 leagues around the world he will even play for MI Emirates in the UAE T20 league, but for Mumbai Indians original franchise in the IPL, he won’t be seen as a player again.
Kieron Pollard will, however, still be involved in the IPL as he has accepted the offer of MI to become the batting coach of the team for the next season of IPL.
The release of Kieron Pollard was expected, but his retirement was not expected
Pollard finished his IPL career as one of the best-ever finishers in the league and although his release from the MI squad was more or less expected, his retirement news shocked the MI fans and there were many emotional reactions to Pollard’s announcement.
While most of the fans of MI and even of the rival teams paid tribute to Pollard’s legendary IPL career, the Mumbai Indian’s official Twitter handle changed its display picture to pay tribute to one of the franchise’s legends. Pollard first represented MI in the IPL in 2010 and since then, he went on to win 7 trophies with the franchise which included 5 IPL trophies and 2 Champions League trophies.
Here are the Twitter reactions to Pollard’s IPL retirement –
Mumbai Indians have changed their DP to wish a fabulous career of Kieron Pollard. pic.twitter.com/EkYy7PKXwB
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 15, 2022
Kieron Pollard in the IPL:
Innings – 171.
Runs – 3412.
Average – 28.67.
Strike Rate – 147.32.
Fifties – 16.– One of the greatest IPL finisher, one of the best of Mumbai Indians. Thank you for all your memories, Polly! pic.twitter.com/BPpwIjx29O
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 15, 2022
Stand up and clap.
Kieron Pollard announces his retirement from the IPL.
More coming up on this…
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) November 15, 2022
Kieron Pollard's relation with Mumbai Indians was so enduring that he couldn't see himself elsewhere. He could've easily played a few more years in the IPL, but he decided not to.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 15, 2022
Happy Retirement Kieron Pollard ๐๐#WhistlePodu | #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/VrVoGLk5eu
— CSK Fans Armyโข (@CSKFansArmy) November 15, 2022
Kieron Pollard has announced his retirement from IPL, has taken up the role of batting coach for Mumbai Indians. @mipaltan
— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) November 15, 2022
One of MI's 1st names in the playing XI for more than a decade-Kieron Pollard-calls time on his IPL career. Was Player of the Match when MI won the 1st IPL title in 2013. Played a key knock in 2019 final. Took catch of the IPL in 2014 off K Cooper in Ahmedabad @KieronPollard55
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) November 15, 2022
Happy retirement Kieron Pollard pic.twitter.com/cQmVJuFsPU
— ๐๐ก๐ซ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฌ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐งโข (@itzShreyas07) November 15, 2022