[WATCH] Kieron Pollard, Naseem Shah engage in war of words during ILT20 2025-26 final

The ILT20 2025-26 featured a tense scene when Kieron Pollard and Naseem Shah exchanged heated words.

Kieron Pollard got into a furious argument with Naseem after the latter, filled with zeal, bowled the final ball of the 11th over during the MI Emirates innings. Pollard was seen initiating the episode in a video released on ILT20’s social media accounts. Naseem refused to back down and retaliated before the on-field umpires entered to settle the incident.

Sparks fly in the middle! 🧨

The Final brings out many emotions, catching Naseem Shah & Kieron Pollard in the middle of it. ⚔️#Final #DVvMIE #DPWorldILT20 #WhereTheWorldPlays #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/PGUsSl3PaT

— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 4, 2026

MI Emirates lose by 46 runs

Desert Vipers had set the tone with a strong batting display and posted 182/4, with Sam Curran, the captain, leading the charge with a commanding, unbeaten 74 off 51, striking two sixes and six fours. He held the tempo of innings and added a vital 89 runs for the third wicket with Max Holden, who scored 41 off 32. He then pu on 57 runs with Dan Lawrence, who chipped in with a brisk 23 off 15.

MI Emiratesnever looked comfortable in the chase. Muhammad Waseem’s 26 off 13 balls offered a fleeting spark, while Shakib Al Hasan tried to anchor the innings with a 36-run knock, but it was never going to be enough. The required rate kept climbing, and the lack of sustainable partnerships exposed the gulf between the two sides on the night.

Desert Vipers bowlers ensured that there was no late drama. Naseem and David Payne both picked up three wickets, striking regularly at key moments, while Khuzaima Tanveer and Usman Tariq claimed two apiece as MI Emirates were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs, slumping to a 46-run defeat.