West Indies great Kieron Pollard on Tuesday announced his retirement from India Premier League (IPL) as he decided to hang up his boots after playing for Mumbai Indians for 13 seasons. Kieron Pollard is amongst the few players who have played for only one franchise over their entire IPL careers. It is one of the most enduring relationships between a franchise and a player in the IPL.
Kieron Pollard has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians squad for many years and has been instrumental in the success of the team, which won many accolades in the tournament over the years. On Tuesday, Pollard took to his social media and announced the big news by sharing a lengthy note for his fans. In his emotional note, Pollard announced his decision to hang his boots in the Indian Premier League, however, he also confirmed that he will continue with the Mumbai Indians family in his new role as a batting coach. He wrote:
“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. 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.”
Check out the Tweet:
💙 #OneFamily @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/4mDVKT3eu6
— Kieron Pollard (@KieronPollard55) November 15, 2022
Meanwhile, as soon as Pollard announced his decision, social media was flooded with reactions from the Indian Premier League fans. From amazing messages to tributes, social media has been buzzing with reactions from fans and cricketers alike.
Among many, Mumbai Indians and India cricket team pacer, Jasprit Bumrah also penned an emotional tribute for Kieron Pollard. In his Tweet, Jasprit Bumrah said that it will take some time to get used to the fact that the all-rounder will not be on the field but he said that he will enjoy their banters in the nets. He wrote:
“It’ll take some used to you not being on the field out there with us, but I’ll still enjoy our banter in the nets. Congratulations on an incredible career Polly and all the best for your new innings 👏”
Check out the Tweet:
It’ll take some used to you not being on the field out there with us, but I’ll still enjoy our banter in the nets. Congratulations on an incredible career Polly and all the best for your new innings 👏 @KieronPollard55 pic.twitter.com/7NgaatvJko
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) November 15, 2022
null
