The final of the International League T20 (ILT20) Season 4 on Sunday, January 5, 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium witnessed a tense on-field clash between MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard and Desert Vipers pacer Naseem Shah. The heated exchange occurred during the 11th over of MI Emirates' chase when Naseem delivered a sharp delivery that Pollard defended back down the ground. After the ball, Naseem appeared to say something to Pollard, prompting the veteran West Indian all-rounder to immediately march towards the bowler in anger. The confrontation escalated quickly, forcing teammates like Jason Roy and on-field umpires to intervene and separate the two players. The incident added significant intensity to an already high-stakes title decider.

Pollard, known for his fiery temperament and never backing down from a challenge, reacted strongly to Naseem's apparent remark. The young Pakistani pacer, equally aggressive, stood his ground as the two exchanged words in the middle of the pitch. The umpires stepped in swiftly to calm the situation and prevent it from turning physical. The brief but explosive altercation became one of the most talked-about moments of the final, showcasing the fierce competitive spirit in franchise cricket. Despite the tension, both players continued their roles in the match without further incident.

Naseem Shah later had the last laugh when he dismissed Pollard for a steady 28 runs, breaking a crucial partnership and denting MI Emirates' chase. The Pakistani speedster delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 18, proving decisive in Desert Vipers' 46-run victory. His clinical bowling helped the team secure their maiden ILT20 title in a dominant performance. Naseem’s ability to bounce back from the earlier confrontation and perform under pressure earned him widespread praise from teammates and commentators alike. The victory marked a memorable debut for new coach Pellegrino Matarazzo.

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After the match, Naseem Shah spoke to the broadcasters about the team's effort, saying, "The pressure of a final is different. The credit goes to everyone, batting and bowling. Our combination was good; we had good options with both bat and ball, and the team management used them well. Everyone gave their 100%, and the end result is in front of us." His calm and composed response highlighted the professionalism that followed the earlier on-field drama. The Desert Vipers celebrated their first championship in style, lifting the trophy in front of a packed Dubai crowd.

The clash between Pollard and Naseem has since gone viral on social media, with fans debating the intensity and passion displayed by both players. While some criticized the aggression, many appreciated the competitive edge it brought to the game. The incident served as a reminder that even in franchise leagues, national pride and personal rivalries can surface under high stakes. The Desert Vipers' triumph and Naseem’s match-winning performance overshadowed the controversy. The ILT20 final will be remembered for both the thrilling cricket and the fiery on-field moment that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

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