'Can't see myself play against Mumbai' - Kieron Pollard to be available for Mumbai in new role for Indian T20 League 2023

In a big piece of news for the fans of Indian T20 League’s five-time champions Mumbai, the veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard has come up with a big announcement. The Trinidadian batting all-rounder will not be in action as a player with a Mumbai-based franchise in the 2023 edition of the Indian T20 League.

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Apart from that, Pollard has also decided that he will not feature as a player for any other team after the end of his stint with Mumbai in this role.

He has come up with a heartfelt note announcing his decision regarding availability for Mumbai in either of the roles.

“It hasn't been the easiest decision to make as I intend to keep playing for a few more years, but following discussions with Mumbai Indians, I have decided to call time on my IPL career. 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,” started Pollard while announcing about his new role to the fans.

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Talking about the new role in which Pollard would be seen with Mumbai during the 16^th edition of the Indian T20 League, the veteran of 189 matches in the league has decided to take over the duties of a batting coach for Mumbai.

This next chapter of my career is genuinely exciting - Kieron Pollard

“This is not an emotional goodbye to MI however as I have agreed to take up the role of batting coach in the IPL as well as play with MI Emirates. This next chapter of my career is genuinely exciting and allows me to transition myself too from playing to coaching,” he added later.

Summing up his letter, Pollard extended his gratitude to the friends, family, and individuals who were there with the Caribbean legend throughout the entire journey.

“Lastly, I would like to say a special thank you to my friends and family especially my wife Jenna and my three beautiful children for all the love, support, and many sacrifices they have made over the years and will continue to make to allow me to fulfill my childhood dream of playing cricket at the highest levels for such a long time. Today I make this step with hope and excitement towards the future knowing that I will be playing a role in an institution, whose values align so closely to mine, where "We are family”, the 35-year-old concluded.