Kieron Pollard pulls out of SA20 2027 after Mumbai Indians role

Kieron Pollard has told Joburg Super Kings he will not be available for the SA20 season in 2027, a day after being formally named Mumbai Indians head coach.

Joburg Super Kings had signed him for R1.5 million at the auction held earlier this month, and the franchise will now look for a replacement.

What Joburg Super Kings do next

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed to Cricbuzz that Pollard had said he could not play, and that the franchise would begin a search for a replacement. Joburg Super Kings may be able to sign a player from outside the auction pool, according to an ANI report citing Cricinfo.

The fifth SA20 season is scheduled to run from 17 January to 21 February 2027.

The Mumbai Indians link

Pollard was announced as Mumbai Indians head coach on Saturday. He takes over from the batting coach role after Mahela Jayawardene’s exit. Mumbai Indians management said he remains free to play for another franchise, and that the group’s own SA20 side, MI Cape Town, will not be facing him.

MI Cape Town did not bid for Pollard at the auction. They signed Shimron Hetmyer for the same R1.5 million fee instead.

Pollard will take part in the IPL auction as Mumbai Indians head coach before the SA20 begins.

Who is Kieron Pollard

Pollard is 39. He played 189 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians, scoring 3,412 runs and taking 69 wickets, with a best of 4/44. He is also one run short of 15,000 T20 runs, which would make him only the second batter after Jos Buttler to reach that mark.