Mumbai: IPL legend and Mumbai Indians’ stalwart Kieron Pollard has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League today. However, he will continue to play cricket in all other forms apart from the IPL and does not plan to take a retirement anytime soon. This decision came before the IPL authorities were to reveal the “released and retention” list of each team. 

Though he has stepped back from playing in the MI team, he has been appointed as the batting coach for the team by the franchise. Pollard who has played some memorable matches throughout the IPL seasons and also captained the team in 9 games, has expressed gratitude for the team owners, especially to the Ambanis. 

On a long note shared on his Instagram handle, Pollard wrote, “It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I will keep playing for a few more years, but I understand that this incredible franchise which has achieved so much needs to transition and if I’m no longer to play for MI then I cannot see myself playing against MI either. Once an MI always an MI. I am immensely proud, honoured and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons,” he said, explaining his decision.

“Most sincerely, I express my deep appreciation to Mukesh, Nita and Akash Ambani for their tremendous love, support and respect I have always felt and for the confidence they placed in me. I recall our first encounter when they welcomed me with open arms saying, “We are family”. Those were not just mere words, but demonstrated by their every action throughout my time with Mumbai Indians”, he added.

He concluded the post by saying, “Today I make this step with hope and excitement towards the future knowing that I will be playing a role in an institution whose values align so closely to mine, where We are Family”. Mumbai Indians have changed their social media DP to a picture of the legend and also uploaded a picture of him after his emotional retirement. Akash Ambani, Nita Ambani, and other MI associates have expressed their emotional sides after the announcement and said they will miss him. Hundreds and thousands of MI fans have also expressed grief regarding the untimely retirement of the cricket legend.