MI Emirates have announced former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as their wildcard signing for the upcoming ILT20 2026-27 season. The move brings the veteran T20 star back to the franchise as they look to challenge for the title after finishing runners-up last season.
The franchise confirmed the signing on Saturday through social media, welcoming Pollard with the message, "Wildcard. Locked. POLLY is coming home!" Pollard was also signed as a wildcard player last season alongside Nicholas Pooran. MI Emirates came close to lifting the trophy but lost the final against Desert Vipers, who secured their maiden ILT20 championship.
Pollard brings enormous experience to the squad, having played 754 T20 matches, the most by any player in the format's history. He has scored 14,999 runs at an average of 31.71 and an impressive strike rate of 150.92. He represented MI until 2022 before moving into coaching as the team's batting coach. He has now been appointed head coach of Mumbai Indians for IPL 2027.
At MI Emirates, Pollard will work under head coach Mark Boucher. The franchise has also strengthened its coaching setup by appointing Colin Ingram as assistant coach and T. Dilip as fielding coach, while Paras Mhambrey will continue as bowling coach.
The upcoming ILT20 season will begin on November 21 and run until December 20, 2026. Matches will be played across three venues in the UAE: Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With Pollard's experience and match-winning abilities, MI Emirates will hope to go one step further this season and reclaim the ILT20 trophy.