Kieron Pollard ditches Super Kings, pulls out of SA20 day after joining MI as head coach
Kieron Pollard has informed Joburg Super Kings of his unavailability for the upcoming SA20 season, a day after being appointed Mumbai Indians’ head coach for IPL 2027, according to a report by Cricbuzz. The former West Indies all-rounder was bought by the Johannesburg-based franchise for R1.5 million at the SA20 auction on October 7 but has now withdrawn from the tournament, avoiding a potentially awkward situation in franchise cricket.
Pollard’s decision comes a day after Mumbai Indians announced his promotion from batting coach to head coach on October 24. Interestingly, Joburg Super Kings are owned by the Chennai Super Kings group, while Mumbai Indians’ owners also operate MI Cape Town in the SA20. Pollard had previously represented MI Cape Town in the competition.
The development comes against the backdrop of Pollard’s longstanding association with Mumbai Indians. The 39-year-old has represented the franchise across multiple competitions and was part of five IPL title-winning campaigns. His withdrawal from the SA20 allows him to focus on his new responsibilities with the five-time IPL champions.
An MI source had earlier clarified that the franchise had no objection to Pollard playing for another team in a different league. “It’s up to KP on the matter. We have given no instructions,” the source told Cricbuzz before Pollard communicated his unavailability to Joburg Super Kings.
CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan confirmed Pollard’s decision to withdraw from the tournament. “He has conveyed to us that he will not be able to play for Joburg Super Kings,” Viswanathan said. “We will now look for a replacement.”
POLLARD REPLACES JAYAWARDENE AT MI
Pollard takes over as Mumbai Indians head coach following Mahela Jayawardene’s exit from the role. Jayawardene guided the franchise to three IPL titles during his first stint between 2017 and 2022 before returning for a second spell.
Pollard’s appointment had been in the works for several days before it was officially announced. The Mumbai Indians management reportedly finalised his name three to four days earlier and called him to Mumbai for discussions on Thursday. His appointment was confirmed after a couple of rounds of deliberations over the following days.
The franchise viewed Pollard’s stature and longstanding association with Mumbai Indians as key factors behind the decision. As a franchise legend, he commands the respect of the dressing room, including the senior players, making him a strong choice to lead the team.
Pollard won five IPL titles with Mumbai Indians during his playing career before retiring from the tournament after the 2022 season. He subsequently continued with the franchise as batting coach, and his elevation marks his first head coaching assignment with Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2027.
The fifth season of SA20 is scheduled to run from January 17 to February 21, 2027.
– Ends
