The International League T20 (ILT20) The 2025–26 season came to a dramatic end on 4 January 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium. While the final was a spectacle of elite franchise cricket, it was momentarily overshadowed by the high-voltage clash between two of the game’s fiercest rivals: MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard and PakistanWe play for the tempo of ‘ Desert vipers, Nasim Shah.
Fierce face-off in ILT20 final: Kieron Pollard and Naseem Shah’s verbal sparring
Friction between the two stars flared up during the 11th running of the Emirates run. The ball rolled to Nasim after Pollard played a defensive shot to deliver a well directed, good length. Enjoying a tactical advantage over the veteran, the young pacer picked up the ball and let out a sardonic laugh that looked straight at the captain.
Pollard, known for his no-nonsense personality on the field, was clearly outraged by the gesture. He immediately left his crease and walked towards the bowler, leading to a fiery verbal altercation that halted play for several minutes. Naseem refused to back down to match Pollard’s intensity as the two players stood inches apart. The situation became so tense that the umpires and the Vipers fielder on the field Jason Roy had to physically intervene to separate them. The stand-off was a turning point in the psychological battle of the match as Naseem’s refusal to be intimidated revived the Vipers’ bowling unit.
We present the video:
Naseem’s three-cap masterclass and title win for Desert Vipers over MI Emirates
Despite his mid-stage drama, Naseem provided the definitive final laugh with his performance with the ball. He had already set the tone early in the innings by eliminating dangerous openings Andre Fletcher and Tom Bantonbut his most satisfying moment came in the 16th game. With MI Emirates in need of a miracle, Naseem returned to the attack and dismissed Pollard for 28 off 28 balls, ending all hopes of an Emirates comeback.
Naseem finished with elite figures of 3/18 in four overs, starring alongside David Payne to bundle MI Emirates out for 136. Sam Currana comprehensive 46 run victory lifting the first ILT20 trophy. The victory was especially sweet for Naseem, who not only outlasted his opponent, but also helped the Vipers earn $700,000 in prize money and the prestigious Black Belt.
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