Kieron Pollard Loses Cool, Gets Engaged In War Of Words With Naseem Shah During ILT20 Final | Watch

Kieron Pollard was in action for MI Emirates on Sunday (January 4) against Desert Vipers. During the final of the International League T20 (ILT20) played between the two teams at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the legendary West Indies all-rounder lost his cool and got engaged in a heated war of words with Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah. The incident took place after Naseem bowled the sixth ball of the 11th over of MI Emirates’ innings.

In a video shared by ILT20 on their social media platforms, Pollard can be seen saying something to Naseem first, and when the Pakistani pacer responded, the matter got escalated. The on-field umpires then had to intervene and separate the two players.

Sparks fly in the middle! 🧨

The Final brings out many

emotions, catching Naseem Shah & Kieron Pollard in the middle of it. ⚔️#Final #DVvMIE #DPWorldILT20 #WhereTheWorldPlays #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/PGUsSl3PaT

— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 4, 2026

Post that incident too, Pollard said something to Naseem when he was at the non-striker’s end, but this time Naseem didn’t respond with words and instead dismissed Pollard.

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Pollard, who was leading MI Emirates in the final of ILT20 2025-26, was caught by substitute fielder Sanjay Pahal off Naseem’s bowling on the first ball of the 17th over of the run chase.

Before making his way back to the pavilion, the former Mumbai Indians star scored 28 runs from 28 balls and slammed two fours during his stay at the crease.

MI Emirates lose by 46 runs

MI Emirates suffered a humiliating defeat by 46 runs against Desert Vipers in the final of ILT20 2025-26. In the summit clash, after MI Emirates opted to bowl first, Desert Vipers rode on skipper Sam Curran’s unbeaten 74-run knock from 51 balls to post a total of 182/4 on the board, which in the end proved more than enough for Desert Vipers to win their first-ever ILT20 title.

During his stay at the crease, Curran, who came to bat at No. 4, slammed 8 fours and 2 sixes and added 89 runs from 64 balls for the third wicket with Max Holden (41 runs from 32 balls) and 57 runs from 33 balls for the fourth wicket with Dan Lawrence, who made 23 from 15.

In reply to the 183-run target, MI Emirates could only manage to score 136 runs for the loss of all 10 wickets in 18.3 overs. David Payne and Naseem picked up three wickets each for Vipers, and two MI Emirates batters each were sent back to the pavilion by Khuzaima Tanveer and Usman Tariq.