NewKerala.com

MI Emirates Wildcard Power: Pooran and Pollard Reunite for ILT20 Season 4

MI Emirates have made a major move by naming Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard as their wildcards for ILT20 Season 4. This reunites the Caribbean power-hitters who recently won both the Caribbean Premier League and Major League Cricket together. The tournament kicks off on December 2 and will run through January 4 across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Meanwhile, former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has joined Sharjah Warriorz, bringing his IPL championship experience to the competition.

Key Points: MI Emirates Name Pooran Pollard Wildcards for ILT20 Season 4

  • MI Emirates announce Caribbean stars as wildcards for upcoming UAE tournament
  • Pooran recently announced shock retirement but remains franchise cricket star
  • Season 4 runs from December 2 to January 4 across three UAE venues
  • Andre Fletcher was top auction buy at $260,000 for MI Emirates
  • Dinesh Karthik joins Sharjah Warriorz bringing IPL championship experience
  • Tournament features six teams playing 34 matches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
2 min read

ILT20: MI Emirates announce Pooran, Pollard as wildcards ahead of Season 4

MI Emirates announce Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard as wildcards for ILT20 Season 4, reuniting the Caribbean stars after their CPL and MLC triumphs.

"Pooran and Pollard will reunite after lifting the Caribbean Premier League... and Major League Cricket... together earlier this year. - Article"

Dubai, October 29

MI Emirates have named Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard as their wildcards for the upcoming edition of the ILT20 in the UAE. Pooran and Pollard will reunite after lifting the Caribbean Premier League (Trinbago Knight Riders) and Major League Cricket (MI New York) together earlier this year.

Pooran also features for MI Cape Town in the SA20, a tournament which overlaps with the ILT20. The 30-year-old power-hitter made a shock retirement announcement earlier this year, but remains a hot prospect in franchise tournaments.

Apart from Pooran and Pollard, MI Emirates possesses Caribbean talent, including Andre Fletcher, who topped the bidding at USD 260,000 at the inaugural ILT20 auction in October, Ackeem Auguste and Romario Shepherd, being the other two.

The fourth season of the ILT20 will begin on December 2 and will run untill January 4, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, featuring six teams who will play a total of 34 fixtures.

In the upcoming edition, former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has joined Sharjah Warriorz. An IPL champion with the Mumbai Indians in 2013, Karthik was also a member of the Indian team that won both the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

In recent years, Karthik was part of the leadership group as batting coach for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise, which won its maiden IPL title in 2025. Coincidentally, at RCB in IPL 2025, Karthik worked closely with the big-hitting Tim David, one of the overseas players for the Sharjah Warriorz in Season 4 of the ILT20.

MI Emirates Signings:

Auction Signings: Muhammad Rohid (USD 140,000), Jordan Thompson (USD 48,000), Naveen-ul-Haq (USD 100,000), Andre Fletcher (USD 260,000), Nosthush Kenjige (USD 10,000), Mohamed Shafeeq (USD 10,000), Zain Ul Abidin (USD 10,000), Usman Khan (USD 10,000), Ackeem Auguste (USD 10,000), Arab Gul (USD 10,000), Tajinder Dhillon (USD 10,000), Zahoor Khan (USD 10,000), Shakib Al Hasan (USD 40,000).

Retentions + Direct Signings: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Tom Banton, Romario Shepherd, Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow, AM Ghazanfar, Muhammad Waseem, Kamindu Mendis.

Wildcards: Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see Dinesh Karthik getting opportunities after his coaching stint. He brings so much experience to Sharjah Warriorz. Hope we get to see some Indian talent shine in ILT20 too!
A
Arjun K
The auction prices are interesting - Andre Fletcher at $260,000 seems a bit high? Meanwhile Shakib Al Hasan for just $40,000 looks like a steal. MI Emirates making some smart moves overall.
S
Sarah B
December to January schedule works perfectly for us cricket fans in India! Perfect timing after the World Cup fatigue settles down. Looking forward to some exciting T20 cricket during the holiday season.
V
Vikram M
Pooran's retirement from international cricket was surprising but he's still a beast in franchise leagues. Hope he brings his A-game to ILT20. The Caribbean connection with Pollard and Fletcher could be deadly!
K
Karthik V
While I love watching these international stars, I wish ILT20 would give more opportunities to emerging Indian players. We have so much talent that needs exposure at this level.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50