Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard Join MI Emirates as Wildcards for ILT20 2025-26
Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard join MI Emirates as wildcards for ILT20 2025-26, strengthening their Caribbean-heavy squad.
MI Emirates have added more Caribbean firepower to their ranks, signing Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard as wildcards for the upcoming ILT20 2025-26 season. The two have enjoyed a golden run this year, lifting trophies with Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL and MI New York in the MLC.
Pollard, one of the most decorated players in T20 history, continues to build on his legacy. The veteran all-rounder now holds a record 18 T20 titles, including multiple IPL, Champions League T20, MLC, and ILT20 wins. Known for his leadership and explosive batting, Pollard remains a key figure in the global T20 circuit.
Pooran, 29, may have retired from international cricket, but his demand in franchise leagues remains sky-high. He was a crucial part of MI Emirates’ title-winning run in ILT20 2024 and will now look to repeat that success. His aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping make him a valuable asset in any lineup.
Strong Caribbean Core
The MI Emirates squad is stacked with West Indian talent this season. Alongside Pooran and Pollard, the team includes Andre Fletcher who was the most expensive player at the ILT20 auction with a USD 260,000 bid plus Ackeem Auguste and Romario Shepherd.
The franchise has also roped in several new faces through the auction, including Muhammad Rohid, Jordan Thompson, Naveen-ul-Haq, Nosthush Kenjige, Mohamed Shafeeq, Zain Ul Abidin, Usman Khan, Arab Gul, Tajinder Dhillon, Zahoor Khan, and Shakib Al Hasan. Retained and directly signed players include Fazalhaq Farooqi, Tom Banton, Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow, AM Ghazanfar, Muhammad Waseem, Kamindu Mendis, and Shepherd.
MI Emirates will soon begin their pre-season training ahead of the ILT20’s fourth edition, which runs from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026, across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The tournament features six teams and 34 matches in total.
The franchise begins its campaign against Gulf Giants on December 4, two days after the opening match between Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers. With Pollard’s experience and Pooran’s flair, MI Emirates will once again start as one of the favorites for the title.
