Kieron Pollard Pulls Out of SA20 After Taking Over as Mumbai Indians Head Coach
Kieron Pollard has withdrawn from the upcoming SA20 season after informing Joburg Super Kings that he will be unavailable for the tournament. The decision comes just a day after Mumbai Indians appointed the former West Indies all-rounder as their head coach for IPL 2027, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
Pollard was signed by Joburg Super Kings for R1.5 million at the SA20 auction on October 7. However, his withdrawal means the franchise, which is owned by the Chennai Super Kings group, must now find a replacement before the competition begins.
Mumbai Indians announced Pollard’s promotion from batting coach to head coach on October 24. The development has drawn attention because both franchises have connections to the same T20 league, with Mumbai Indians’ owners also operating MI Cape Town, the team Pollard previously represented in the SA20.
The 39-year-old has been closely associated with Mumbai Indians throughout his career. He played a significant role in the franchise’s success, winning five IPL titles before retiring from the tournament after the 2022 season. He subsequently remained with the team as batting coach, continuing his involvement in its cricketing operations.
Pollard’s decision to skip the upcoming SA20 season will enable him to focus on his expanded responsibilities with Mumbai Indians as preparations begin for IPL 2027.
Before Pollard communicated his decision to Joburg Super Kings, a Mumbai Indians source told Cricbuzz that the franchise had not placed any restrictions on his participation in other leagues.
“It’s up to KP on the matter. We have given no instructions,” the source said.
CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan later confirmed that Pollard had informed the franchise about his unavailability.
“He has conveyed to us that he will not be able to play for Joburg Super Kings,” Viswanathan said, adding that the team would look for a replacement.
Pollard Takes Charge After Jayawardene’s Exit
Pollard’s appointment as Mumbai Indians head coach follows Mahela Jayawardene’s departure from the position. Jayawardene guided the franchise to three IPL championships during his first stint from 2017 to 2022 before returning for a second spell.
Reports suggest that Mumbai Indians had been considering Pollard for the role for several days before making the announcement. The management reportedly finalised his name three to four days earlier and called him to Mumbai for discussions on Thursday. The appointment was confirmed after further deliberations.
Pollard’s deep association with the franchise, his experience across T20 competitions and his standing among players reportedly influenced the management’s decision. His promotion marks his first head coaching assignment with Mumbai Indians, although he has remained part of the coaching setup since retiring as a player.
The former West Indies star will now prepare to lead the five-time IPL champions into the 2027 season, taking on a role previously held by Jayawardene.
The fifth edition of the SA20 is scheduled to run from January 17 to February 21, 2027. Joburg Super Kings are expected to identify a replacement for Pollard following his withdrawal.
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