Kieron Pollard, the West Indian cricketing powerhouse, has dethroned his compatriot Chris Gayle to claim the record for the most sixes in Twenty20 cricket. The milestone was achieved during a Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 match, where Pollard smashed his 1,056th six, surpassing Gayle's previous tally of 1,055 sixes. This historic moment solidifies Pollard's legacy as one of the most destructive batsmen in the shortest format of the game.
The Record-Breaking Moment
Pollard reached the landmark while playing for the MI New York franchise against the Seattle Orcas in the MLC 2026 season. The six came off a delivery from fast bowler Cameron Gannon, sailing over the long-on boundary. The crowd at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas erupted as Pollard raised his bat to acknowledge the achievement. According to tournament officials, Pollard's innings included a blistering 72 off just 38 balls, featuring five sixes and seven fours.
This record is the culmination of Pollard's illustrious T20 career spanning over 15 years and 600-plus matches across various leagues worldwide, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and now MLC.
Comparing the Legends
Chris Gayle, known as the "Universe Boss," had held the record since 2013, amassing 1,055 sixes in 463 T20 innings. Pollard, however, reached the milestone in fewer innings—approximately 580 innings—highlighting his consistent power-hitting. The top five list also includes Andre Russell (1,002 sixes), Colin Munro (950), and AB de Villiers (900), but Pollard now stands alone at the summit.
Impact on MLC 2026
Pollard's feat has brought significant attention to the MLC, which is still in its early years. League commissioner Justin Geale stated, "Kieron's achievement is a testament to the quality of cricket in MLC. It puts our league on the global map and inspires young cricketers in the United States." Pollard himself said, "To break a record held by Chris, who is a legend and a mentor, is special. I'm grateful for the support from my team and fans."
Pollard's T20 Journey
Pollard made his T20 debut in 2006 for Trinidad and Tobago and quickly gained a reputation for his explosive batting. He has been a key player for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, winning multiple titles, and has captained West Indies in T20Is. His ability to clear the ropes at will has made him a sought-after player in franchise cricket. As of this match, Pollard has scored over 12,000 T20 runs at a strike rate of 150-plus.
What's Next?
With the record now in his name, Pollard looks set to extend his lead as he continues playing in upcoming T20 leagues. The MLC 2026 season is ongoing, and Pollard's form will be crucial for MI New York's playoff hopes. Cricket pundits believe that with his fitness and form, Pollard could push the record beyond 1,200 sixes before retirement.
