Kieron Pollard as MI Emirates' new captain (Source: AFP)
In a recent development, ahead of the fourth season of the International League T20 (ILT20), MI Emirates have announced former West Indies all-rounder and long-time Mumbai Indians star Kieron Pollard as their new captain. Pollard will take the captaincy from Nicholas Pooran, who led the side in the previous edition.
It is important to note that MI Emirates may face an availability issue with Pooran, as the final week of the ILT20 overlaps with the SA20, during which Pooran might play for MI Cape Town. So he might miss the last phase with MI Emirates.
The ILT20’s upcoming season will run from December 2 to January 4, with matches held across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
A proven champion joins as MI captain
Pollard has been part of multiple title-winning Mumbai Indians squads, including five IPL trophies and two Champions League T20 titles, along with back-to-back MLC championships (2023 and 2025) with MI New York.
The franchise made the announcement with a celebratory message, calling Pollard an "MI legend, MI leader, MI skipper".
MI Emirates said Pollard’s "big sixes, clever bowling, strong fielding, and sharp cricketing brain" will be crucial as they aim for a successful campaign in Season 4. The franchise added that they are excited to see him lead from the front and fight till the end in tight matches.
Talking about MI's squad, the team has solid players. In addition to Pollard, the squad includes Nicholas Pooran, Andre Fletcher (the most expensive buy) Ackeem Auguste and Romario Shepherd.
The team have added several new players ahead of the season, such as Muhammad Rohid, Jordan Thompson, Naveen-ul-Haq, Usman Khan, Arab Gul, Tajinder Dhillon, Zahoor Khan, and Shakib Al Hasan. MI Emirates have also retained players like Fazalhaq Farooqi, Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow, AM Ghazanfar, Muhammad Waseem, Kamindu Mendis, and Romario Shepherd.
MI Emirates will kick off their campaign against Gulf Giants on December 4 in Dubai.
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