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The Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise has added two of West Indies’ biggest T20 stars, Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard, to their MI Emirates squad as wildcard selections ahead of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 season. The powerhouse duo brings unmatched experience, leadership, and championship-winning pedigree to the defending champions as they prepare for the new campaign beginning December 2, 2025, in the UAE.
Kieron Pollard brings leadership and championship pedigree
Pollard, one of the most decorated players in T20 history, joins MI Emirates after a glittering career that includes 18 T20 titles worldwide. Pollard’s achievements feature five IPL titles with Mumbai Indians and an ILT20 trophy in 2024 with MI Emirates, where he was instrumental both on and off the field.
Pollard has been a key figure across MI’s global franchises, having represented MI New York in the Major League Cricket (MLC), MI Cape Town in SA20 and MI Emirates in ILT20. Known for his explosive batting and calm leadership, his return as a wildcard is seen as a major boost for the side’s title defense campaign.
“Pollard’s experience and presence are invaluable – he’s been a mentor, a finisher, and a match-winner for every MI team he’s been part of,” said a team official following the announcement.
Nicholas Pooran rejoins MI franchise after title-winning season
Dynamic left-handed batter Nicholas Pooran also rejoins MI Emirates as a wildcard pick, fresh from captaining the side to their ILT20 2024 championship. Pooran’s stellar performances in both ILT20 and MLC have solidified his reputation as one of the best T20 players in the world.
He led MI New York to MLC titles in 2023 and 2025, further strengthening his bond with the Mumbai Indians franchise family. Pooran’s aggressive batting, wicketkeeping skills, and leadership experience make him a pivotal figure in the MI setup.
However, his availability for the entire ILT20 season remains uncertain due to potential scheduling conflicts with MI Cape Town in the SA20 League, which runs concurrently with ILT20 2025-26.
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MI Emirates aim to defend their ILT20 title
MI Emirates, the defending champions, have announced a formidable squad combining international stars and emerging talents. With Pollard and Pooran joining as wildcards, the franchise appears well-equipped to make another strong title run.
MI Emirates squad for ILT20 2025-26
Signings at the auction:
- Muhammad Rohid (USD 140,000)
- Jordan Thompson (USD 48,000)
- Naveen-ul-Haq (USD 100,000)
- Andre Fletcher (USD 260,000)
- Nosthush Kenjige, Mohamed Shafeeq, Zain Ul Abidin, Usman Khan, Ackeem Auguste, Arab Gul, Tajinder Dhillon, Zahoor Khan (all USD 10,000)
- Shakib Al Hasan (USD 40,000)
Retentions:
Fazalhaq Farooqi, Tom Banton, Romario Shepherd, Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow, Allah Ghazanfar, Muhammad Waseem, Kamindu Mendis
Wildcards:
Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard
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