Kieron Pollard breaks Chris Gayle’s all-time T20 run-scoring record
Former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has overtaken compatriot Chris Gayle to become the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket history after striking a century in Major League Cricket.
A Historic Century in America
The 39-year-old reached 14,583 career runs while playing for MI New York, surpassing Gayle’s long-standing tally of 14,562.
This milestone innings marked only the second century of his extensive 20-over career.
It ultimately came during a bittersweet 30-run defeat against the Washington Freedom.
While the powerful middle-order batsman accumulated 1,569 of those runs in international colours, the vast majority have been plundered across domestic and franchise tournaments worldwide.
Surpassing a West Indies Legend
Gayle had fiercely guarded the top spot in the run-scoring standings since March 2014.
The former Jamaican opener, who last played a competitive fixture in the format during 2022, remains the fastest player to reach every milestone between 6,000 and 14,000 runs.
He also retains the ultimate crown for clearing the ropes, boasting an incredible 1,056 sixes compared to his successor’s 986.
Remarkably, the new record holder is the only middle-order specialist inside the top six run-scorers, with the others all operating at the top of the innings.
English Duo Keep Pace
This newly established benchmark could face immediate threats in the coming months.
Former England opener Alex Hales currently sits just 134 runs adrift in third place.
Meanwhile, current national white-ball captain Jos Buttler occupies fourth position and trails the lead by 212 runs.
Buttler has a prime opportunity to close that gap rapidly, with up to eight international fixtures scheduled for his country between July and September.
Balancing Coaching and Playing
Beyond his run-scoring exploits, the veteran Trinbagonian already holds the outright appearance record in the shortest format with 736 matches.
He is now successfully balancing his ongoing on-field duties with a growing coaching portfolio.
After serving as batting coach for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, he will transition to head coach for MI London in the upcoming men’s Hundred competition.
