As England gears up for the 2024 Men’s T20I World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA, there are reports circulating that the defending champions are looking to bring in former West Indies cricketer Kieron Pollard as a consultant for the tournament. The event is scheduled to take place from June 4-30, and England is seeking Pollard’s expertise to enhance their chances of success.
At 36 years old, Pollard, who continues to be an active player, boasts an extraordinary T20I career, having secured five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles and clinched the T20I World Cup in 2012. With a remarkable 637 matches in the T20I format, he stands as the most experienced player in T20I history and is celebrated for his astute cricketing insights.
The decision to bring in Pollard follows England’s successful strategy during the 2022 Men’s T20I World Cup when they enlisted former Australia batter Mike Hussey as a consultant, contributing to their title triumph. This time, Pollard’s appointment is not only based on his wealth of T20I experience but also on his intimate knowledge of the playing conditions in the West Indies, where the tournament is set to unfold.
The Telegraph reported on Saturday that Pollard has been enlisted to assist England in assessing the pitches for the T20I World Cup. His presence and expertise are expected to provide valuable insights, helping England strategize effectively and adapt to the unique challenges posed by the Caribbean and USA pitches.
Interestingly, during England’s recent ODI World Cup defense in India, where they fell short of reaching the semi-finals, no former cricketer from the host country was brought in as a consultant. Managing director Rob Key later acknowledged the missed opportunity and took responsibility for not appointing a local figure for the mega event.
In recent days, Pollard was reportedly seen in the England team hotel in Trinidad during the final two matches of their five-game T20I series against the West Indies.
Despite England losing the series 3-2, Pollard’s presence suggests an early collaboration, giving the team ample time to benefit from his insights and prepare comprehensively for the upcoming T20I World Cup.