Kieron Pollard has informed Joburg Super Kings that he will be unavailable for the upcoming SA20 season, a day after his appointment as Mumbai Indians' head coach for IPL 2027. The Chennai Super Kings-owned franchise signed the former West Indies all-rounder for R1.5 million at the auction earlier this month.

Pollard has been closely associated with MI since joining the franchise as a 22-year-old in 2010. He played for the team across 13 seasons, winning five titles before retiring from the IPL in 2022. The veteran cricketer later continued as Mumbai Indians' batting coach and represented its teams in overseas leagues.

Kieron Pollard Withdrew from Joburg Super Kings' SA20 Campaign

Mumbai Indians had no objection to Kieron Pollard representing another franchise in a different league. According to Cricbuzz, the management had left the decision to the former all-rounder.

"It's up to KP on the matter. We have given no instructions," the source said before Pollard communicated his unavailability to Joburg Super Kings.

MI Cape Town decided not to bid for Pollard. They signed West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer for the same amount. Hetmyer's name came up before Pollard's, and the franchise could not risk waiting for the latter without knowing whether another team would outbid them.

Joburg Super Kings belong to the Chennai Super Kings group, while Mumbai Indians' owners also operate MI Cape Town in the same competition. CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the development and said the franchise would look for a replacement.

"He has conveyed to us that he will not be able to play for Joburg Super Kings," Viswanathan said. The fifth SA20 season is scheduled to run from January 17 to February 21, 2027.

Kieron Pollard Replaces Mahela Jayawardene as Mumbai Indians Head Coach

Kieron Pollard has been appointed Mumbai Indians' head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Mahela Jayawardene. The franchise reportedly finalised his name three to four days before the announcement and called him to Mumbai for discussions on Thursday.

Team owner Nita Ambani highlighted his 16-year association with the franchise and his understanding of its culture.

"Pollard joined Mumbai Indians as a young 22-year-old and, over the past sixteen years, has become an integral part of our family. As a player, he gave us many unforgettable moments, and as a coach, he has continued to share his experience, passion and deep understanding of the game. We are delighted to see him take on this new responsibility as Head Coach. Polly knows what it means to wear the MI jersey and what it takes to play for the Paltan," Ambani said.

Kieron Pollard's MI Appointment Raises Questions Over Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma

Kieron Pollard has continued to play for Mumbai Indians-owned teams in overseas competitions since retiring from the IPL. He represented MI Cape Town in 12 matches, MI New York in 30 and MI Emirates in 25.

He also plays for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, where Mumbai Indians do not own a franchise, and serves as head coach of MI London in The Hundred.

Mumbai Indians face important squad decisions ahead of IPL 2027. Pollard is known to share a close relationship with all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been linked with a possible trade.

However, whether the coaching change will affect the franchise's plans remains uncertain. His close association with former captain Rohit Sharma could also become relevant as Mumbai Indians assess their leadership options.