Why Kieron Pollard clashed with ex-Rajasthan Royals player during MLC 2026 match

MI New York all-rounder Kieron Pollard was involved in a heated on-field altercation with Shubham Ranjane during an MLC 2026 match against Texas Super Kings. The incident occurred when Kieron Pollard appeared to block Ranjane while running between the wickets, leading to a tense exchange between the two players.

MI New York, led by Nicholas Pooran, registered an eight-wicket victory over Texas Super Kings at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Monday, June 22 (India Time). The Super Kings, led by Donovan Ferreira, posted 158 runs, but MI New York chased down the target comfortably in the 18th over to seal an important win.

Kieron Pollard Involved in Heated On-Field Clash With Shubham Ranjane

The incident took place during the 12th over of the Texas Super Kings innings. Kieron Pollard was bowling his only over of the match when Shubham Ranjane attempted a quick run. Pollard stayed in his follow-through path, and the two players collided in the middle of the pitch.

On the very next ball, Pollard stopped during his run-up and appeared to threaten a run-out attempt at the non-striker’s end. In response, Ranjane stepped away from his crease before the delivery was completed, leading to another heated exchange between the two players.

Former New Zealand fast bowler Danny Morrison said that the collision could have been avoided and pointed out that Pollard had a clear view of Ranjane running down the pitch.

Morrison added that Ranjane was focused on the ball and was unlikely to have seen Pollard standing in his path. According to the commentator, Pollard had enough time to move aside and avoid the collision altogether.

Big drama in the MLC! 😁
Kieron Pollard and Ranjane went face to face, and Pollard was in no mood to back down.🫢 pic.twitter.com/L5Z09rsz30

— Rehan 56 (@imrehan456) June 22, 2026

Shubham Ranjane Leads Texas Super Kings Fightback

Shubham Ranjane, who was born in Pune, played domestic cricket for Maharashtra before moving to the United States in 2022. He has represented the USA in 11 ODIs and four T20Is. Ranjane was also part of the Rajasthan Royals setup but did not feature in an IPL match.

Texas Super Kings suffered an early batting collapse under stand-in captain Donovan Ferreira, who led the side in the absence of the injured Faf du Plessis. Trent Boult starred with the ball for MI New York, taking 3/18, while Corbin Bosch claimed four wickets to put Texas under pressure.

Despite the collapse, Ranjane held the innings together and added an important partnership with Milind Kumar. He narrowly missed a half-century, scoring 49 off 36 balls before Rushil Ugarkar dismissed him in the 17th over.

Nicholas Pooran Powers MI New York to First Win

MI New York made a strong start to the chase through Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel. De Kock scored 26 before Amshi de Silva removed him, while Monank contributed 46 from 34 balls before falling to Hardus Viljoen.

Captain Nicholas Pooran then guided the chase with an unbeaten 68 off 46 deliveries. He struck six fours and three sixes and remained in control throughout the innings. Pooran sealed the victory by hitting the winning runs off Wiaan Mulder in the 18th over.

The eight-wicket win gave MI New York their first victory of the MLC 2026 season and lifted them to fourth place in the standings. Kieron Pollard, who recently became the leading rungetter in T20s, managed only seven runs from 12 balls.