Kieron Pollard delivered a stirring statement as MI New York completed a stunning turnaround to defeat the Washington Freedom and clinch the 2025 Major League Cricket title.
The franchise endured a nightmare start to their campaign, losing six of their first seven matches and sitting at the bottom of the table with just two points. With elimination looming, few gave the 2023 champions a chance of survival, let alone a title run.
But MI New York showed resilience when it mattered most. They won two of their final three league games to sneak into the playoffs, and from there, pulled off a comeback for the ages. Speaking after the final, captain Kieron Pollard reflected on their incredible journey and the belief that kept them going.
“It means a lot. We fought hard. One in seven, everyone sort of wrote us off. I’ve mentioned it time and time again—there is something in this franchise. Until we are mathematically out of a tournament, you should not rule us out,” Pollard said.
“The belief the guys showed, every single staff member—from the management to the players—it’s unbelievable to be standing here and going to collect our second MLC trophy,” he added.
The triumph was emotional for Pollard, who has faced a challenging few months off the field. At 38, questions about his future in the game naturally followed. But for now, the veteran all-rounder hasn’t made any decisions on retirement.
“Can’t tell the future. But what I can tell you is I enjoyed my time here. When I came to this tournament, I hadn’t played cricket since January. I had to leave the ILT20 because of my mum’s passing,” Pollard revealed.
“I was motivated. There were things behind the scenes as well which kept me going. This one feels good. A bit emotional. Deep down inside, a bit emotional. Dwayne Bravo—look at me now,” he said with a smile.
Pollard’s leadership, experience, and spirit once again proved decisive on the big stage. Regardless of what the future holds, this title win will go down as one of the most remarkable comebacks in the short history of Major League Cricket, and a fitting chapter in Pollard’s legendary career.
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