In the 2014 edition of the IPL, the two players were involved in an ugly spat that saw Kieron Pollard throw his bat at Starc and grab Virat Kohli by the neck in a viral fight video
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a cricket tournament known for its high-octane matches and intense rivalries. Over the years, players have been involved in numerous on-field altercations, but none have been as infamous as the one between Kieron Pollard and Mitchell Starc.
When Kieron Pollard grabbed Virat Kohli by the neck and shut him up in viral RCB vs MI fight video
However, the match was also known for a fight between Pollard and Kohli with the MI player seen grabbing Kohli by the neck and shutting his aggression up.
Throwback
Just like Naveen ul Haq
In 2014 Pollard who was very Angry and was about to thrash Virat Kohli because he was showing unnecessary aggression to him . pic.twitter.com/ZxYDkeTgkx— Uchiha (@uchihaCricket) May 2, 2023
Meet Virat Kohli's real father
👑Kieron Pollard pic.twitter.com/ib6HOYZxwQ
— R e t i r e d (@Sense_detected_) May 1, 2023
Call Pollard And All Agression Of Virat Kohli Will Go To Hell.#LSGvRCB #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/pjujxFLs3i
— 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐮☆ (@Starr_Kidddd) May 1, 2023
The build-up to the Spat
The Mumbai Indians were facing off against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 27th match of the IPL 2014. Rohit Sharma’s team was looking to put up a challenging total, and the skipper had partnered with Pollard to steady the innings. In the 17th over of Mumbai’s innings, Starc bowled a bouncer to Pollard, hoping to unsettle the batsman.
However, Pollard failed to connect with the delivery, and Starc used the opportunity to sled the West Indian.
The Altercation
Pollard was having none of it and waved off taunts of Starc. However, the Australian pacer continued to push his luck and started his run-up to bowl the next delivery. Pollard, who was clearly agitated, stopped Starc midway through his run-up, triggering a heated altercation between the two players.
Starc was in no mood to back down and bowled the delivery around Pollard’s legs. The West Indian retaliated by throwing his bat at the bowler, but the bat slipped from his hand and landed on the leg side of the pitch. The two players continued to exchange verbal volleys before the situation was brought under control by the umpires.
The Fallout
Following the incident where Pollard threw his bat at Starc, the Australian pacer managed to get the last laugh by running out the Mumbai Indians batsman. Even after the run-out, Starc continued to taunt Pollard, which added fuel to the fire. Both players were subsequently fined under the IPL’s code of conduct.
Pollard was reportedly penalized 75% of his match fee, while Starc was fined 50% as both players admitted to the level 2 offenses at the time. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing fraternity, with many criticizing Pollard’s actions.
Pollard later apologized for his behavior.