Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard for Mumbai Indians (Source: AFP Photos)
Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are currently involved in a potential Hardik Pandya trade for IPL 2027. Even though there is no official confirmation of the blockbuster deal, whether it would be an all-cash deal or involve players from the Purple and Gold brigade still remains a mystery.
As tension rises between MI and KKR, a move related to Kieron Pollard set everyone talking. For those who are unfamiliar, Pollard, who is known for being one of the biggest match-winners for MI, plays for KKR’s sister franchise, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Kieron Pollard Delays CPL Arrival Amid MI-KKR Hardik Pandya Trade Rumour
Pollard, who is still associated with MI as a batting coach, is currently in England. He has been working there as the head coach of MI London for The Hundred Men 2026.
With the CPL 2026 just started and The Hundred still ongoing, Pollard won’t be part of the first two games in his native land’s premier T20 competition for the Knight Riders team due to MI’s commitments.
Also Read: MI's Kieron Pollard Gets Into On-Field Spat With Mumbai Player Who Held IPL Contract
The Hundred 2026 will finish on August 16, with MI London being placed third on the points table under Pollard. They have won four out of their six matches in the competition and are on their way to qualifying for the next round.
Hence, Pollard decided not to join KKR’s sister franchise, whom he led to win the CPL title in 2020 without tasting a single defeat in the entire season.
TKR Confirm Kieron Pollard Replacement, And 2 Others
Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), on Saturday, confirmed Kieron Pollard’s unavailability, along with the absence of Nicholas Pooran, who plays for MI’s sister franchises, MI New York and MI London.
In their place, TKR signed Mark Deyal, Daniel Williams and Matt Tromp as temporary replacements for CPL 2026. The other individual for which TKR signed a new player except for Pooran and Pollard was Usman Tariq.
How Many Games Will Pollard Miss In CPL 2026?
TKR will begin their CPL 2026 season on August 9 against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. After that, they will play the Andre Russell-starred Jamaica Kingsmen on August 15, and their third match is scheduled for August 22.
With The Hundred 2026 set to conclude on August 16, Pollard, Pooran and Usman Tariq, who are all currently involved in the competition, can miss upto two games.
Nevertheless, Tariq should miss only one CPL 2026 match, as Birmingham Phoenix, his side, have already been knocked out of the competition.
Unlike other eight-team tournaments, The Hundred doesn’t have a four-team playoff. Instead, they keep the league stage toppers in the final and the second- and third-place teams in the Eliminator.
Also Read: BCCI Finalises Sai Sudharsan’s Replacement For India vs Sri Lanka Tests
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