POLLARD TURNS COACH

Former West Indies white-ball captain, Kieron Pollard is making the transition to coaching after being released by the Mumbai Indians ahead of the next Indian Premier League ((IPL)  season.

Pollard is one of 10 West Indies players not retained by their franchises ahead of the next IPL season. He will now take up the post of Mumbai Indians (MI) batting coach.

In an Instagram post last week, Pollard said: “It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I intend to keep playing for a few more years, but following discussions with Mumbai Indians I have decided to call time on my IPL career. “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,” Pollard wrote.

Together, we won the Champions League in 2011and 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020,” Pollard added.

Mumbai Indians, which finished last in the IPL 2022, released 13 players, including another West Indian Fabien Allen.

Wayne Bravo was also released by the Chennai Super Kings for the second time in two seasons but there is still the possibility he could return to the franchise in the auction.

West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran plays a shot during the third Twenty20 international cricket match between India and West Indies in Kolkata, India, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. Associated Press/Bikas Das/File

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad released current West Indies white-ball captain, Nicholas Pooran and Romario Sheppard, while Lucknow Super Giants released all rounder Jason Holder and opening batter Evin Lewis.

Royal Challenge Banglore let go of Sherfane Rutherford: Punjab released Odean Smith and the Gujarat Titans did not retain Dominic Drakes.