From MI family to CSK: Kieron Pollard's complete T20 franchise journey across tournaments detailed

Kieron Pollard's move to Joburg Super Kings for SA20 2027 ends his long association with the Mumbai Indians family.

The West Indies great has played across the IPL , CPL , PSL, BBL, BPL, ILT20, MLC, SA20 and The Hundred .

Pollard played only for Mumbai Indians in the IPL before retiring in 2022 and becoming their batting coach.

He could now face an MI-owned team in the SA20, though he will not return to the IPL as a player.

Kieron Pollard's journey from Mumbai Indians to Joburg Super Kings

Kieron Pollard and the Mumbai Indians have had one of the longest-standing relationships in franchise cricket. In the IPL and the various other global T20 tournaments, the former all-rounder from West Indies became one of the key figures for MI. The duo went on to win various titles under MI.

However, the partnership took an unexpected turn in the 2027 SA20 season when Joburg Super Kings bought Pollard at the auction for R1.5 million. Thus, the Super Kings have brought on board Pollard, who was previously a member of MI Cape Town, adding another interesting chapter to the life of a player who has traveled across T20 leagues globally.

Pollard's stint as a member of different franchises goes way back from the IPL. He has played for franchises in the Caribbean Premier League and Australia's Big Bash League, as well as in various other places, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UAE, the United States, and England.

Kieron Pollard's complete T20 franchise journey: List of teams

Pollard has represented franchises across several major T20 leagues during his career. His latest move came at the SA20 2027 auction, when Joburg Super Kings signed him for R1.5 million, ending his association with MI Cape Town.

Mumbai Indians: The franchise that defined Pollard's IPL career

Pollard played for Mumbai Indians in IPL from 2010, and his stint with the franchise spanned 13 seasons. He scored 3,412 runs and took 69 wickets in the tournament.

Furthermore, Pollard featured in five successful IPL title wins for the franchise and also participated in Mumbai's Champions League T20 successes in 2011 and 2013.

The association with MI continued even when he retired as a player in November 2022. Instead of switching teams in the IPL, Pollard became the batting coach of the side while playing for the franchise's teams in overseas leagues.

These included MI Emirates in ILT20, MI New York in MLC, and MI Cape Town in the SA20. Pollard joining Joburg Super Kings team is thus a significant breakaway from the network of franchises that he had been associated with over his entire career.

Why Pollard's move to Joburg Super Kings is significant

What makes the signing even more impressive is the fact that Chennai Super Kings tried to get Pollard in the 2010 IPL auction; however, their efforts were defeated by Mumbai Indians. Over 16 years later, Pollard will play for the brand Chennai Super Kings in the SA20, but he won't be playing for the CSK in the IPL.

The signing is even more interesting because Joburg Super Kings and MI Cape Town are part of rival franchise groups. This means Pollard could have faced the very team he played with in the South African tournament.

The signing does not wipe out Pollard's past with the Mumbai Indians. It simply provides him with an opportunity to continue his career in a different franchise group.

Pollard versus MI in the SA20 could be a fascinating subplot

Pollard will not face the Mumbai Indians directly in the IPL as he has retired from playing and is still with them as batting coach. The situation becomes more intriguing in the SA20 league, where Pollard is set to play for Joburg Super Kings against his former MI side in MI Cape Town.

Just as Pollard will be well aware of his previous SA20 side's players and culture, MI Cape Town will also be aware of the capabilities of the strong Caribbean batter in crunch moments.

It is not a traditional franchise move but a very intriguing one, as Pollard will have his association with Mumbai, whereas with Joburg Super Kings, he might give one of the best individual confrontations in the SA20.

For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook , Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.