After 13 trophy-laden seasons with Mumbai Indians, West Indies' Kieron Pollard announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on November 15 (Tuesday). Pollard signed with Mumbai in 2010 and since went on to win five IPL titles and two champions league trophies with the most successful franchise in the cash-rich league's history. Pollard was instrumental in making Mumbai Indians a box-office franchise and will go down as one of the greatest players to play for the Mumbai-based franchise. Meanwhile, Pollard will continue to be with the Mumbai Indians, albeit in a different role. The West Indian has been appointed as the new batting coach of the Mumbai Indians.
“It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I will keep playing for a few more years, but I understand that this incredible franchise which has achieved so much needs to transition and if I’m no longer to play for MI then I cannot see myself playing against MI either,” Pollard said in a statement released by Mumbai Indians.
"Once an MI always an MI. I am immensely proud, honoured and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons.
“Most sincerely, I express my deep appreciation to Mukesh, Nita and Akash Ambani for their tremendous love, support and respect I have always felt and for the confidence they placed in me. I recall our first encounter when they welcomed me with open arms saying, “We are family”. Those were not just mere words, but demonstrated by their every action throughout my time with Mumbai Indians,” added Pollard.
Pollard retires from IPL after playing 189 matches for Mumbai, scoring 3,412 runs in the process at a strike rate of 147.32 to go with 16 half-centuries. He also bagged 69 wickets at an economy of 8.79 in the cash-rich league.
The West Indian all-rounder will play for MI Emirates in the International League T20 (ILT20) in UAE next year.
