Kieron Pollard has given up on Super Kings, stepping down from SA20 a day after joining MI as head coach

Kieron Pollard has informed the Joburg Super Kings of his unavailability for the upcoming SA20 season, a day after he was appointed as the head coach of Mumbai Indians for IPL 2027, according to a Cricbuzz report. She bought the former all-rounder from the West Indies The Johannesburg-based franchise went for R1.5 million in the SA20 auction on October 7 but has now opted out of the tournament to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation in franchise cricket.

Pollard’s decision comes a day after Mumbai Indians announced his promotion from batting coach to head coach on October 24. Interestingly, Joburg Super Kings is owned by Chennai Super Kings group while Mumbai Indians owners also run MI Cape Town in SA20. Pollard previously represented MI Cape Town in the competition.

The development comes against the backdrop of Pollard’s long association with the Mumbai Indians. The 39-year-old has represented the franchise in numerous competitions and has been a part of five IPL winning campaigns. The SA20 withdrawal allows him to focus on his new responsibilities with the five-time IPL champions.

An MI source had earlier clarified that the franchise had no objection to Pollard playing for another team in another league. “It depends on KP. We haven’t given any instructions,” a source told Cricbuzz before Pollard communicated his unavailability to the Joburg Super Kings.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed Pollard’s decision to withdraw from the tournament. “He told us that he will not be able to play for the Joburg Super Kings,” said Viswanathan. “Now we will look for a replacement.

POLLARD REPLACES JAYAWARDENE AT MI

Pollard takes over as head coach of Mumbai Indians following Mahela Jayawardene’s exit from the role. Jayawardene led the franchise to three IPL titles during his first stint between 2017 and 2022 before returning for a second spell.

Pollard’s appointment was in the works for days before it was officially announced. The Mumbai Indians management had reportedly finalized his name three to four days earlier and called him to Mumbai for deliberations on Thursday. His appointment was confirmed after several rounds of negotiations over the following days.

The franchise saw Pollard’s stature and long association with the Mumbai Indians as key factors in the decision. As a franchise legend, he commands respect in the locker room, including the older players, making him a strong choice to lead the team.

Pollard won five IPL titles with Mumbai Indians during his playing career before retiring from the tournament after the 2022 season. He subsequently continued with the franchise as batting coach and his promotion marks his first coaching assignment with Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2027.

The fifth season of SA20 is scheduled to run from January 17 to February 21, 2027.

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