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The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 season reached a dramatic conclusion at the Dubai International Stadium on January 4, 2026. While the final was a spectacle of elite franchise cricket, the match was momentarily overshadowed by a high-voltage confrontation between two of the game’s most intense competitors: MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard and Pakistan‘s pace spearhead, playing for Desert Vipers, Naseem Shah.
The heated face-off during ILT20 final: Kieron Pollard and Naseem Shah’s verbal spat
The friction between the two stars ignited during the 11th over of the Emirates run chase. After Pollard played a defensive stroke to a well-directed, good-length delivery, the ball rolled back toward Naseem. The young pacer, seemingly enjoying the tactical upper hand against the veteran, picked up the ball and let out a visible, mocking chuckle directly at the captain.
Pollard, known for his no-nonsense on-field persona, was visibly incensed by the gesture. He immediately abandoned his crease and marched toward the bowler, sparking a fiery verbal altercation that stopped the game for several minutes. As the two players stood inches apart trading barbs, Naseem refused to retreat, matching Pollard’s intensity. The situation became so tense that on-field umpires and Vipers fielder Jason Roy had to physically intervene to separate them. The confrontation served as a turning point in the match’s psychological battle, as Naseem’s refusal to be intimidated seemed to galvanize the Vipers’ bowling unit.
Here’s the video:
Naseem’s three-wicket masterclass and title victory for Desert Vipers over MI Emirates
Despite the mid-pitch drama, Naseem ensured he had the definitive final laugh through his performance with the ball. He had already set the tone early in the innings by removing dangerous openers Andre Fletcher and Tom Banton, but his most satisfying moment came in the 16th over. With MI Emirates needing a miracle, Naseem returned to the attack and dismissed Pollard for a struggling 28 off 28 balls, effectively ending any hopes of an Emirates comeback.
Naseem finished with elite figures of 3/18 in his four overs, playing a starring role alongside David Payne to bundle out MI Emirates for 136. The Vipers, led by an unbeaten 74 from Sam Curran, secured a comprehensive 46-run victory to lift their first-ever ILT20 trophy. The victory was particularly sweet for Naseem, who not only outplayed his rival but also proved instrumental in helping the Vipers win $700,000 in prize money and the prestigious Black Belt.
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