Johannesburg, 26 October (H.S.): West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard will not feature for Joburg Super Kings in the 2027 season of South Africa’s T20 league, SA20, after withdrawing from the tournament despite being acquired by the franchise at this month’s auction for 1.5 million South African rand.

According to reports, Pollard has informed the franchise of his decision, allowing the team to sign a replacement from outside the auction pool.

Pollard’s withdrawal comes shortly after he was appointed head coach of Mumbai Indians for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The appointment was announced on Saturday, October 24.

The development has drawn attention because Joburg Super Kings are owned by the Chennai Super Kings group, while the Mumbai Indians ownership group also operates MI Cape Town in the SA20. Pollard’s withdrawal means he will not represent Joburg Super Kings against a franchise associated with the Mumbai Indians group.

However, the decision to withdraw has not been officially attributed solely to his new coaching responsibilities.

Pollard previously represented MI Cape Town in the SA20 during the 2024 and 2025–26 seasons. Across 12 matches, he scored 207 runs at a strike rate of 171.07.

MI Cape Town did not bid for him at this month’s auction, opting instead to secure Shimron Hetmyer. Joburg Super Kings subsequently acquired Pollard for 1.5 million rand.

Pollard has maintained a long association with the Mumbai Indians franchise group across several T20 competitions. He is also the head coach of MI London in The Hundred.

In Major League Cricket, he represented MI New York from 2023 to 2026, while in the ILT20, he played for MI Emirates from 2023 through the 2025–26 season.

The 39-year-old is on the verge of a major milestone in T20 cricket, needing just one more run to reach 15,000 runs in the format. If he achieves the landmark, he will become the second batter after Jos Buttler to reach the milestone.

Pollard continues to play franchise cricket around the world. Most recently, he represented Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2026 Caribbean Premier League, held in August and September.

The 2027 season of the SA20 is scheduled to begin on January 17. Before the tournament gets underway, Pollard is expected to focus on his responsibilities as Mumbai Indians’ head coach, including preparations for the IPL auction.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar