Kieron Pollard will play for MI Emirates in ILT20 2026 | PC- AFP
On Saturday, MI Emirates strengthened their squad for the ILT20 2026 by signing the highly prolific T20 hitter Kieron Pollard.
Pollard, who has played all four seasons of the league in MI colours, will join the forces comprising Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Jonny Bairstow, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd.
Kieron Pollard returns to MI Emirates as wildcard pick
Former West Indian captain Kieron Pollard has joined the MI Emirates as a wildcard pick.
As per the ILT20 rules, each of the six franchises can sign two wildcard picks as optional players to strengthen their rosters beyond the standard squad limits.
Polly, as they call him, has featured in 35 matches for the MI Emirates, slamming 885 runs at an average of 44.25 with a whopping strike rate of 157.75, featuring 57 boundaries and 58 maximums.
The 39-year-old was a key member of the Emirates squad that lifted the trophy in ILT20 2024/25 under Nicholas Pooran’s leadership. He led the franchise last season, when they ended as runners-up, although the captain is yet to be announced for the upcoming season.
MI will kick off their season against the defending champions, the Desert Vipers, on November 21 in Dubai.
MI strengthen coaching staff with T Dilip, Colin Ingram
Kieron Pollard, a legend for MI across leagues, was promoted to head coach of the franchise after serving as the batting coach under the Hardik Pandya regime.
Nevertheless, the West Indian all-rounder will play a major role in the MI Emirates team, which will again be led by head coach Mark Boucher and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey.
Before Pollard takes the big chair in the IPL, he might learn key lessons from Boucher as part of the leadership group, even as a player.
Moreover, the franchise announced two of its coaches ahead of the ILT20 2026, replacing Carl Hopkinson and Vinay Kumar with T Dilip and Colin Ingram.
The legendary T Dilip will serve as the fielding coach in the ILT20 before taking the same role in the IPL. Meanwhile, the recently retired Ingram will be the assistant coach for MI Emirates.
