Kieron Pollard, after serving the West Indies for 15 years, announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. The 33-year-old, on social media, said that he ‘raises my bat in salute to all that is West Indies cricket’. 

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Pollard is currently in India, representing the Mumbai Indians. He is expected to take the field when the five-time champions take on arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings on Thursday. 

“After careful deliberation, I have today decided to retire from international cricket. As is the case for many young persons, it was a dream of mine to represent the West Indies team from the time I was a boy of 10 years and I am proud to have represented West Indies cricket for over 15 years in both the T20i and ODI forms of the game,” he wrote in a note posted on social media. 

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The hard-hitter was the third cricketer after Herchelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh to hit six maximums in an over. He achieved the feat in March 2021 against Sri Lanka. 

“I can still vividly remember making my international debut in 2007 under the leadership of my childhood hero, Brian Lara. Wearing those maroon colours and playing alongside such greats has been a privilege that I never took lightly, giving my heart and soul in every facet of the game – whether bowling, batting or fielding,” he continued. 

Pollard was made West Indies T20I and ODI captain in 2019. He scored 2706 runs in 123 ODIs and 1569 runs in 101 T20Is. 

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In his statement, the 33-year-old said that he will forever be grateful to get the opportunity to lead the team. 

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“As Captain I believe that I have led with passion, openness, courage and everything I could ever possibly give both on and off the field without ever compromising my principles and integrity. I know some of my teammates believe that I am a hard taskmaster and I like to see things done professionally, and that is true, but I also believe in being selfless and creating the environment for individuals and teams to succeed,” he said.

Pollard was a part of the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup winning West Indies squad. He never played Test cricket.