Kieron Pollard has become the first cricketer in the world to play 700 T20 matches, a testament to his enduring career, fitness, and dedication.
Kieron Pollard's T20 Record: Many players come and go in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, but some etch their names in history. West Indies' legendary all-rounder, Kieron Pollard, has achieved just such a feat. Pollard is now the first player globally to have played 700 T20 matches. He reached this milestone in the 14th match of the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 in the USA, where his team, MI New York, faced the San Francisco Unicorns.
First Player to Play 700 T20 Matches
Kieron Pollard's cricket career has always been marked by aggression and consistency, but surpassing the 700-match mark is truly an unprecedented record. This achievement reflects not only his experience and fitness but also his dedication, rhythm, and focus.
Prior to this, no cricketer had even played 600 T20 matches. Following Pollard on this list are fellow West Indian Dwayne Bravo (582 matches), Pakistan's Shoaib Malik (557 matches), Andre Russell (556 matches), and Sunil Narine (551 matches).
Pollard's Performance in T20 Cricket
Kieron Pollard's T20 career statistics to date:
- 13,634 runs
- Average of 31.34
- Strike rate of 150.41
- 1 century and 61 half-centuries
He has won numerous matches for his teams by playing the role of a finisher in hundreds of matches.
Furthermore, he has contributed significantly with his bowling, although he hasn't taken any wickets in the MLC 2025 season so far.
Pollard's Presence in Major League Cricket
Pollard is currently playing for MI New York in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season in the USA. In the previous season (2023), under Pollard's captaincy, MI New York won the championship title, showcasing his leadership and cricketing acumen.
However, his team is struggling in the current season. MI New York has registered only 1 win out of 4 matches. Personally, Pollard has scored 97 runs in 4 innings across 5 matches, with a strike rate of 190.19 – indicating that Pollard is still playing in his usual aggressive style.
Why is Pollard's Record Special?
In an era where players struggle to maintain consistency in a single format due to injuries, fatigue, and mental pressure, Pollard's journey to 700 matches is truly inspirational. His sustained performance at a high level in the high-intensity format of T20 cricket demonstrates that he is not just a good player, but a legend.
A Stellar Journey Across Global T20 Leagues
Pollard has made his mark in global tournaments like the IPL with Mumbai Indians, CPL with Trinbago Knight Riders, PSL, BPL, BBL, and now MLC. He is among the select few players who have played significant roles in every major T20 tournament.
Enthusiastic Discussion on Fan and Social Media
Pollard's 700th match has generated significant buzz on social media. Cricket experts and fans alike have congratulated him. MI New York shared a special picture of Pollard on their social media, writing:
'700 matches, 700 memories, a legend. Pollard, the true emperor of T20 cricket!'
What Next?
Although Pollard has retired from international cricket, his fitness and form suggest he could play for several more seasons. While his team is struggling in this MLC season, Pollard's experience and confidence could bring about a change in the upcoming matches.
