Kieron Pollard announces retirement from international cricket

In what can be called an absolute shocker, Kieron Pollard has announced his retirement from international cricket. The dashing all-rounder took to Instagram on Wednesday (April 20) and dropped the bombshell. It must be noted that Pollard was the captain of West Indies’ white-ball teams and was expected to serve the Men in Maroon for a few more years. However, the 34-year-old has now decided to bring curtains to his international career.

Making his international debut in April 2007, Pollard burst onto the scenes with his ability to hit the ball long alongside bowling handy overs. His fielding abilities made him an even greater asset. Although performing consistency was an issue for the dasher, his match-winning abilities meant Pollard didn’t take long in cementing his place in the national team.

Due to issues with West Indies Cricket Board, Pollard missed several important fixtures and tournaments like the 2015 World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup. However, the dasher was drafted back in the side and was even named the white-ball captain in 2019. Since then, Pollard was a regular part of West Indies’ white-ball set-up and even led the team in the 2021 T20 World Cup last year.

I will always be supporting West Indies cricket in whatever way I can: Kieron Pollard

Explaining his massive decision, Pollard wrote: “After careful deliberation, I have today decided to retire from international cricket. As is the case for many young persons, it was a dream of mine to represent the West Indies team from the time I was a boy of 10 years and I am proud to have represented West Indies cricket for over 15 years in both the T20i and ODI forms of the game.”

“As I move on and make room for those who will carry the game forward in West Indian colours, know that I will always be supporting in whatever way I can. It is with profound gratitude for living my dream that I now raise my bat in salute to all that is West Indies cricket,” he added.

 

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Meanwhile, Pollard is currently plying his trade for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2022. The dasher hasn’t made his bat talk much this season as the five-time champions are languishing at the rock-bottom of the team standings. It must be noted that Pollard is expected to continue featuring in T20 leagues all over the globe. As far as his international numbers are concerned, Pollard featured in 123 ODIs and 101 T20Is, amassing over 4000 runs at the highest level alongside taking 97 wickets.