The MI Emirates have bolstered their squad for the upcoming 2025-26 edition of the ILT20 by naming seasoned Caribbean superstars Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard as their wildcard picks. The decision reunites the two former West Indies cricketers, who are well-known global T20 globe-trotters and key figures in the Mumbai Indians' global franchise network.
Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran join MI Emirates for ILT20 2025-2026
The duo brings a proven winning pedigree, having been part of the title-winning teams for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL 2025 and the MI New York franchise in the MLC 2025 earlier this year. Their experience and devastating hitting capabilities are expected to headline the MI Emirates' Caribbean firepower in the UAE.
Despite their recent success in other leagues, Pooran and Pollard's previous outing with the UAE-based franchise in the ILT20 2025 (earlier this year) did not culminate in a title. Pooran led the team, which included Pollard, but their campaign fell short as they were defeated in the Eliminator by the Sharjah Warriorz in Abu Dhabi. Their return as wildcards demonstrates the franchise's belief that the pair can finally lead the team to similar success they have enjoyed in the CPL and MLC.
A potential scheduling conflict has emerged for star batter Nicholas Pooran, who is also a key player for MI's other franchise, the MI Cape Town, in South Africa's SA20 league. The latter stages of the ILT20 2025-26 season, which is scheduled to run until January 4, are expected to overlap with the opening week of the SA20 2025-26 season. This overlap means Pooran may not be available for the entire duration of the MI Emirates' campaign.
MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants in ILT20 campaign opener
Despite this potential limited availability, the inclusion of both Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard significantly enhances the already strong Caribbean contingent at the MI Emirates. They join a lineup that features other powerful West Indian players, including Andre Fletcher, Ackeem Auguste, and the prominent all-rounder Romario Shepherd, collectively boosting the team's overall "Caribbean firepower."
The ILT20 2025-26 season is scheduled to begin on December 2nd. The MI Emirates will kick off their tournament campaign just two days later on December 4 against Gulf Giants.