MI Emirates bring back Kieron Pollard as wildcard pick for ILT20 2026-27

Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi will host the 2026-27 ILT20 from November 21 to December 20, 2026, and MI Emirates have confirmed Kieron Pollard as their wildcard signing for the campaign. The announcement came on November 14, 2026, adding the Trinidad all-rounder to the franchise roster ahead of the six-team competition.

Pollard's T20 record and the run-scoring milestone in sight

The signing was confirmed on November 14, 2026. Each of the six ILT20 franchises is permitted to add up to two wildcard players beyond their standard squad limits, and Pollard fills one of those slots for MI Emirates this season.

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The numbers Pollard carries into this edition are striking. His 754 T20 appearances are the most by any cricketer in the format's history, and his aggregate of 14,999 runs, compiled at an average of 31.71 and a strike rate of 150.92, leaves him just 63 short of Jos Buttler's record as the format's leading run-scorer. A single productive outing could see him cross that mark during the tournament.

Pollard has been a fixture at MI Emirates since the ILT20 began in early 2023, making him one of the competition's longest-serving franchise players. The most recently completed season ended with Desert Vipers claiming their maiden title, while MI Emirates reached the final without lifting the trophy.

Coaching changes and Pollard's wider commitments

At MI Emirates, Pollard will play under head coach Mark Boucher. The former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter took charge of the franchise after Robin Singh stepped aside. Singh, the former India all-rounder, had guided MI Emirates to the ILT20 title in 2024, the only championship the franchise has won to date.

Beyond the UAE, Pollard's schedule has shifted considerably in recent months. Mumbai Indians named him their new head coach for the IPL, a role that followed his earlier stint as batting coach at the franchise. Shortly after that appointment was confirmed, he stepped away from his position leading the MI London setup in the men's Hundred competition. He has also ended his playing arrangement with Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.

This is not the first time Pollard has come in as a wildcard for MI Emirates. After the league's inaugural auction, both he and Nicholas Pooran were brought in as wildcard additions. Pooran's commitments with MI Cape Town in the SA20 created a scheduling overlap, and Pollard stepped in to captain the side for that season. His long association with the MI group stretches back to 2010, when he first joined Mumbai Indians in the IPL, a relationship that continued through 2022 before he moved into coaching.