West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has been named captain of Bloem City Blazers in South Africa’s T20 Global League which bowls off next month.

The big-hitting Trinidadian has had several involvements in leadership roles, and has previously captained the Mumbai Indians (IPL) and the Barbados Tridents whom he led to the title in the 2014 edition of the Caribbean Premier League.

He has compiled 7578 runs from 387 matches to be one of only seven batsmen with 7000 runs in the game’s shortest format.

According to the 30 year old, leading a group of talented and skilful players from around the world will be an opportunity to create a competitive, high-performing and enjoyable environment.

“I’m honoured to be leading this immensely talented group of players,” he said.

“Every year I come back to South Africa and I am made to feel incredibly welcome. The T20 Global League is a new and exciting competition and looking at the squad we’ve put together I’m confident our brand of cricket will light up Bloemfontein and give the fans cause to cheer.

The eight team tournament bowls off on November 3 with Chris Gayle and Denesh Ramdin taking the field for Cape Town Knight Riders against Dwayne Bravo’s Pretoria Mavericks at Newlands.

The Blazers, who also include West Indians Dwayne Smith and Rayad Emrit, open their campaign on November 5 against the Knight Riders.

The list of competing teams is completed by Stellenbosch Kings, Jo’burg Giants, Durban Qalandars, Nelson Mandela Bay Stars and Benoni Zalmi.