'A power hitting maestro' – Tributes pour in as Pollard announces retirement
In a 15-year-long illustrious career, Pollard represented West Indies in 123 ODIs and 101 T20Is, amassing 4275 runs across formats and picking 97 wickets.
A revolutionary of T20I cricket 🏏
— ICC (@ICC) April 20, 2022
West Indies legend @KieronPollard55 helped reinvent the role of T20 finisher. pic.twitter.com/spW0zbWJ3s
Pollard walks away as one of the most significant influencers of modern-day cricket – no other West Indies Men's cricketer has played more T20I matches than him and smashed the second-most sixes (234) in international cricket, only behind Chris Gayle's 553.
His influence was evident in the 2012 ICC Men's T20 World Cup semi-final match against Australia. Pollard helped West Indies post a big score as he hit three fours and as many sixes, contributing 38 from just 15 deliveries to guide the score past 200 and successfully defend the total with the wickets of George Bailey and Pat Cummins. West Indies eventually went on to lift the trophy.
In March 2021, Pollard added another record to his name, becoming only the third player in the history of the men’s international game to hit six sixes in a single over, taking down Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya. He joined the elite list of Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh. Jaskaran Malhotra of the USA joined the elite group in September last year.
We're grateful for the service and leadership of a fearless player and leader @KieronPollard55. You wore the Maroon with pride and passion and it showed both on and off the field.
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) April 20, 2022
Thank you for 15 outstanding years! #55 🌴🏏 https://t.co/I4LbmFDGdc
Can’t believe you retired before me @KieronPollard55 😄 Anyway-Congratulations on your international career…it was great playing alongside you. Happy Retirement…All the best in your next chapter @KieronPollard55 #Respect✊🏿 👊🏿
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) April 20, 2022
Congratulations on a splendid career big fella! My partner in the six sixes club 💪🏻 a fierce competitor who let his game do the talking! Enjoyed sharing the dressing room with you. Lots of love and good wishes to you and your family for your second innings! @KieronPollard55 pic.twitter.com/T2QV5IO7tX
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 21, 2022
A fighter and a challenger with a terrific attitude on the field!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 20, 2022
Congratulations Polly!! pic.twitter.com/DeRJY7aYZj
Kieron Pollard! The power hitter, street smart bowler, outstanding fielder and a great team man. Congratulations on your superlative career Polly, best wishes for your second innings brother 👏👏 @KieronPollard55 #Polly
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) April 20, 2022
2706 runs and 55 wickets in 123 ODIs.
— Trinbago Knight Riders (@TKRiders) April 20, 2022
1569 runs and 42 wickets in 101 T20Is.@KieronPollard55 has announced his retirement from international Cricket! Let's take moment to appreciate the legend of @windiescricket for giving us so many unforgettable moments over the years👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/WMJqaSUVpW
Wishing you all the best for the next chapter in your life @KieronPollard55 ❤️
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) April 20, 2022
I think there’s more International Cricket left in him but we should respect his decision.
Thanks for the entertainment big man👏
A power hitting maestro, a solid team man and a great friend. Congratulations on an impressive international career Polly, you’re a legend! All the very best for everything to come.🙌 @KieronPollard55 https://t.co/N4HuJPfl8o
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) April 20, 2022
Pollard will continue to play franchise cricket.