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Kieron Pollard, West Indies cricket legend, etched his name in the history books on June 23, 2025. Representing MI New York in the Major League Cricket (MLC) against the San Francisco Unicorns, Pollard reached this unprecedented milestone, underscoring his extraordinary longevity and consistent performance in the shortest format of the game. Having retired from the IPL in 2023 after a stellar tenure with Mumbai Indians, Pollard continues to showcase his skills and leadership under captain Nicholas Pooran in the US-based league.
Kieron Pollard becomes the first cricketer to achieve the T20 cricket landmark
Pollard etched his name in the history books by becoming the first player ever to appear in 700 T20 matches. Before this landmark, no cricketer had even crossed the 600-match threshold. His career tally includes over 13,668 runs and 328 wickets in T20 cricket, reflecting his all-round prowess. Despite facing serious injuries over the years, including two ACL tears and a career-threatening eye injury, Pollard’s resilience and passion for the game have kept him going strong. His motivation now also comes from his son, who inspires him to continue entertaining fans worldwide. Pollard’s journey is not just about numbers but also about dedication, fitness, and an undying competitive spirit that has made him a beloved figure in global T20 cricket.
Also READ: HIGHLIGHTS: San Francisco Unicorns register dominant victory over MI New York in MLC 2025
Pollard’s impact and legacy in T20 Cricket
While Pollard’s 700th match saw him contribute with two wickets and an unbeaten 34 runs, MI New York fell short by 47 runs against the San Francisco Unicorns. Nevertheless, Pollard’s influence extends far beyond individual matches. He stands as a pioneer and fan favorite in T20 cricket, having played for franchises across the globe and captained the West Indies in 101 T20 internationals before retiring from international cricket in 2022. His record-breaking feat places him ahead of other T20 stalwarts like Dwayne Bravo (582 matches) and Shoaib Malik (557 matches). Pollard’s legacy is also highlighted by his place among the top six-hitters in T20 history, second only to Chris Gayle, further cementing his status as one of the format’s greatest all-rounders.
