On Sunday evening at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the International League T20 (ILT20 2025) final featured a furious discussion between Desert Vipers’ pacer Naseem Shah and MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard.
The verbal altercation, which prompted on-field officials and teammates to intervene, gave a combustible edge to an already intense encounter and demonstrated how players can react in the heat of the moment when they hunt for silverware, even in franchise T20 cricket.
The incident happened in the 11th over of MIE’s chase, when Naseem seemed to say something to the seasoned West Indies all-rounder after Pollard successfully defended a crisp delivery back down the pitch.
Pollard, who is known for his fierce competitiveness and combative style, responded right away by charging at the bowler to express his disapproval.
Players from both teams, including Jason Roy, quickly became aware of the brief but intense altercation that ensued, and the match officials intervened to diffuse the situation before it became worse.
Naseem made sure he had the final say in terms of cricket while tensions subsided. He managed to dismiss Pollard for 28 runs, denting the chase for MI Emirates.
See here:
Speaking of the ILT20 2025 final, Desert Vipers were asked to bat first, and skipper Sam Curran made 74* in 51 balls, while Max Holden made 41 as they posted 182/4 in 20 overs. In response, MI Emirates’ chase never got off as they lost regular wickets.
David Payne and Naseem Shah picked three wickets each, as Shakib Al Hasan top-scored for MIE with 36, as they were bowled out for 136. Desert Vipers won the final by 46 runs and lifted their first ILT20 trophy.
