Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 26: Former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has informed Joburg Super Kings of his unavailability for the upcoming SA20 season, a day after being appointed head coach of Mumbai Indians for IPL 2027, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
Pollard was bought by the Johannesburg-based franchise for R1.5 million at the SA20 auction on October 7. However, he has now withdrawn from the tournament, avoiding a potentially awkward situation given his new responsibilities with Mumbai Indians and the ownership links between the franchises.
The 39-year-old's decision comes after Mumbai Indians announced his promotion from batting coach to head coach on October 24, following the departure of Mahela Jayawardene from the position.
Joburg Super Kings are owned by the Chennai Super Kings group, while Mumbai Indians' owners also operate MI Cape Town in the SA20 league. Pollard had previously represented MI Cape Town in the competition.
Pollard has enjoyed a longstanding association with Mumbai Indians, representing the franchise across multiple competitions and playing a key role in five Indian Premier League title-winning campaigns. His withdrawal from SA20 is expected to allow him to concentrate on his new assignment 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 a different league.
"It's up to KP on the matter. We have given no instructions," the source told Cricbuzz before Pollard communicated his unavailability to Joburg Super Kings.
Chennai Super Kings chief executive Kasi Viswanathan subsequently confirmed Pollard's decision to withdraw from the tournament.
"He has conveyed to us that he will not be able to play for Joburg Super Kings," Viswanathan said, adding that the franchise would look for a replacement.
Pollard's appointment as Mumbai Indians head coach followed Jayawardene's exit from the role. Jayawardene guided the franchise to three IPL titles during his first stint between 2017 and 2022 before returning for a second spell.
Pollard's elevation had reportedly been under consideration for several days before the official announcement. The Mumbai Indians management is understood to have finalised his name three to four days earlier and called him to Mumbai for discussions on Thursday. His appointment was confirmed following further deliberations.
The franchise reportedly considered Pollard's stature and longstanding association with Mumbai Indians key factors behind the decision. As a franchise legend, he commands considerable respect within the dressing room, including among senior players, making him a strong candidate to lead the side.
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 head coaching assignment with Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2027.
The fifth season of SA20 is scheduled to be held from January 17 to February 21, 2027.