Kieron Pollard pulls out of Joburg Super Kings SA20 deal

Kieron Pollard has withdrawn from his arrangement with Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, according to a report carried by Tribune India with ANI-sourced text. Mumbai Indians announced him as their new head coach for IPL 2027 on Saturday.

The report notes that the same ownership group also runs MI Cape Town in the SA20. With the withdrawal, Pollard will not face a franchise owned by that group.

The details

The 2027 edition of the SA20 is scheduled to begin on January 17. Before the league starts, Pollard is set to take part in the IPL auction as Mumbai Indians head coach.

The report adds that Pollard continues to play franchise cricket around the world.

Recent form of the teams involved

In the SA20, 2025-26, Joburg Super Kings lost to MI Cape Town by 36 runs on 10 January. They then lost to Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 61 runs on 14 January and to Pretoria Capitals by 21 runs on 17 January. A 44-run win over Paarl Royals on 19 January was followed by a 36-run defeat to the same side on 22 January.

MI Cape Town beat Joburg Super Kings twice in January 2026, by 4 wickets on 6 January in a rain-shortened 12-over game and by 36 runs on 10 January. They then lost to Pretoria Capitals by 53 runs on 12 January. Against Sunrisers Eastern Cape, they won by 3 wickets on 16 January and lost by 7 wickets on 18 January.

Mumbai Indians context

Mumbai Indians’ most recent listed IPL 2026 result was a 30-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals on 24 May. Before that, they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by 4 wickets on 20 May and beat Punjab Kings by 6 wickets on 14 May.

Pollard is set to take part in the IPL auction in his capacity as Mumbai Indians head coach, with the SA20 following from January 17.