Pollard joins JSK: Morkel explains signing decision

Joburg Super Kings secured West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard at the SA20 2027 auction held on October 7, 2026, acquiring him for R1.5 million. The yellow franchise moved quickly to sign the experienced player, with no rival bid from MI Cape Town or any other franchise.

Pollard currently serves as batting coach for Mumbai Indians and heads the coaching setup for MI London in The Hundred. He continues his playing career with MI Emirates in the ILT20 and MI New York in the Major League Cricket. Joburg Super Kings head coach Albie Morkel explained the reasoning behind the acquisition.

“I was really surprised to see him in the auction in the first place and, from the information we gathered, he was still very keen to play. It’s not that we asked him to come out of retirement. He’s really keen to play in the tournament, and what he brings to our team is leadership, a winning mentality, toughness on the field and West Indian flair. I think it’s something we can really use,” Morkel said to India TV’s query.

“He makes our middle and lower batting order really strong. He was a no-brainer for us. I do understand the history between the MI and Super Kings franchises very well. I have been a part of that. Of course, there will be disappointed MI fans, but I am sure he will have big support in Johannesburg,” he added.

Pollard stood on the verge of a significant T20 milestone, needing just one more run to become the second batter after Jos Buttler to reach 15,000 T20 runs. His arrival at Joburg Super Kings added experience and proven success to a franchise seeking to break through in the SA20 title race.

“Look, I mean, Pollard is one of the most experienced T20 players in the world. The number of games that he’s played, the different competitions around the world. You’re talking a lot about youth, but just to have Pollard around and the experience that he will pass on to the likes of those under-23 players such as Jason Rowles, just sitting with him behind the scenes, never mind playing with him,” SA20 League commissioner Greame Smith said.

“I think the other thing about Pollard is that he’s always been quite a forthright character. He doesn’t really mince his words and he’s highly competitive. So, bringing that type of nature into our tournament is exciting. Yeah, I mean, obviously it’s a storyline because of his history with MI. I’ll let Albie and Robin Peterson talk about their strategies between the two teams. But from a league perspective, seeing players of that quality is always exciting,” he added.

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