MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers, ILT20 Final: West Indies' legendary all-rounder Kieron Pollard was in action for the MI Emirates during the final of the International League T20 (ILT20) against Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. He 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 the viral video, which was 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 escalated.
The on-field umpires were quick to react as they had to intervene and separate the two players. A few moments later, Pollard said something to Naseem when he was at the non-striker’s end, but this time the right-arm pacer didn’t respond with words and instead dismissed the veteran cricketer.
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Pollard, who was captaining the 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. He scored 28 runs from 28 balls and slammed two fours during his stay at the crease.
Desert Vipers lift their maiden ILT20 title
Desert Vipers defeated MI Emirates by 46 runs to lift the ILT20 2025 title as the skipper, Sam Curran, produced a match-winning effort with the bat. After being put into bat first, Vipers posted an impressive total of 182/4 in their 20 overs on the back of Curran's magnificent half-century. The star all-rounder played an unbeaten knock of 74 runs in 51 balls on the back of eight fours and two sixes.
Max Holden came up with a crucial effort of 41 runs in 32 balls, hitting two fours and a six.
Chasing the target, the MI Emirates were bowled out for 136 runs in 18.3 overs. Apart from Pollard, the former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan scored 36 runs in 27 balls, hitting three fours. For Vipers, David Payne and Naseem picked up three wickets each, whereas Khuzaima Tanveer and Usman Tariq found a couple of scalps as well.
Curran was adjudged as the Player of the Match as well as the Player of the Series.
"Really special. Was nervous coming in today. Obviously, two finals and everyone thinking "imagine if we lose this one - three in a row". The team have been amazing, the management, the owners, stuff like that. Going to be a big party tonight. Of course, there are nerves. I think that's a good thing. Things like you don't know how the pitch is going to play. Obviously, Gous pulled up with an injury in the warmups, and we got tested there. That just shows the quality of our group and the setup," Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran said at the post-match presentation.