Kevin Pietersen isn't one to shy away from controversy. The former English cricketer had a playing career filled with success and failure. He was forced into international retirement due to the exile that shadowed his off-field behaviour.
He has now claimed that he was exiled from the international stage due to his liking of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been backed for this claim.
Former England captain and a multi-time Ashes winner, Kevin Pietersen, has reignited allegations against his country’s cricket board (ECB) for prematurely ending his international career. KP also hinted at how the board was always jealous of the cash-rich Indian Premier League and how his close association with the IPL triggered his fallout.
Pietersen was England’s poster boy following the famous 2005 Ashes win at home; later becoming their all-format captain and marquee player. With over 100 Tests to his name, KP last played for England at the age of 33.
The ECB selectors sacked him following the 2013/14 away Ashes, with KP returning to the drawing board (to play for Surrey in the County Championship) later that summer to push a case for his comeback. The then ECB chairman, Colin Graves, hinted at his comeback should he score runs in the domestic circuit.
Pietersen chose it over the IPL that season and made headlines with his majestic 355 for Surrey. Although that should've sealed his comeback to the national side; Andrew Strauss informed KP on the same day that he would never play for England again.
Speaking in a conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia, KP said, "I made big sacrifices. I lost my career. That’s the reason why everybody in that establishment went against me."
"I was 33 when my England career finished, 104 Test matches. I should have played 150-160 Tests and got 12 000 - 13 000 runs. That’s what I should have got," he continued.
Pietersen has always been vocal about how IPL saved his cricket career. Referring to his association with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), for whom he made his IPL debut in 2009, KP revealed how batting giant, Rahul Dravid, helped him revive his fading career after he began struggling against spin.
Although that one e-mail from The Wall turned KP into a batting beast, especially against the spinning ball; Pietersen reveals how the same league became a reason for his exit from the England side, eventually ending his cricket career.
Without getting into too many details, KP revealed, "The ECB used The Telegraph to go after me... I don’t want to go too deep into it. It was well publicised and I live a very happy, peaceful life now."
Former IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi, has backed Kevin Pietersen following the former England captain's explosive remarks accusing the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of sabotaging his international career. Pietersen stunned the cricketing world by alleging that his time with the England team was cut short due to a dispute with authorities over his participation in the IPL.
In a recent interview with YouTuber, Ranveer Allahbadia, Pietersen claimed he was targeted by the ECB after choosing to prioritise the IPL. The former batter ended his Test career with 8 181 runs, including 23 centuries and 35 half-centuries.
Addressing Pietersen's claims, it is worth noting that the ECB had barred centrally contracted players from participating in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. Dimitri Mascarenhas was the only English player to feature that season.
In 2009, England allowed players to participate in the IPL within a limited three-week window. Pietersen joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru) that year and his decision to prioritise the league reportedly led to severe tensions with the ECB.
He sparked a further social media debate after praising Mumbai's air quality, calling it the "best I've ever experienced." Pietersen, who is in Mumbai for IPL 2026 commentary, tweeted about the city's improved Air Quality Index (AQI), which had dropped to less than 40, placing it in the "good" category.
"The air quality in Mumbai is so good. It's the best I've ever experienced!" he said on X (formerly Twitter). "Congrats to the leadership for putting in place the necessary measures to achieve this outstanding air quality."
Pietersen's post drew mixed reactions, with some users accusing him of being paid to promote the city's air quality. One user questioned his opinion, suggesting it was a paid promotion, which Pietersen strongly denied.
"You think I get paid to post about air quality? Are you f*****g mad?!" he responded. "When I notice something and it really stands out, and it means something to me, I'll tweet it! Plus, that number is incorrect. It's around 40 today, which is fantastic!"
The recent improvement is attributed to favourable weather conditions and control measures. The post went viral, sparking debate. "Slight rain yesterday night, which caused improvement," one user wrote in the comment section.
"It's become much better and the clouds can be seen clearly and no smog. High rise view has become a luxury now," another user wrote.
"This is basic science, it is summer time in Mumbai. Any particles at atomic level dosen't stay in one place, it vibrates through heat and becomes moving air. Real test of air quality happens in winter time, where particles dosen't vibrate and stays put," a third user explained.
The Cameron Green question still remains as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Lucknow Super Giants in their upcoming IPL 2026 fixture on Thursday at Eden Gardens. The Aussie all-rounder was purchased for ₹25.20 crore during the auction; but hasn't bowled a single delivery in the ongoing season.
Green is currently recovering from injury and in accordance with Cricket Australia's instructions, KKR haven't been using him as a bowler. In its statement, CA said, "Cameron has a lower-back injury, which is being managed, but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period."
"Cameron is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to return in around 10-12 days' time."
He is expected to resume bowling soon this season. He is also being used in the top order for KKR and has failed to justify his price tag. In the washed-out match vs Punjab Kings, Green batted at No. 3 and was dismissed for four off two balls.
Speaking on JioHotstar, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen questioned KKR's decision to use Green in the No. 3 slot.
"I think the real problem for KKR is Cameron Green at number three. I don't think he has got it in him. He has not done enough in world cricket to be a number three. Look at the other teams in this tournament: all the number threes are proper openers or middle-order batters. Along with that, the burden of not bowling is hampering the team", he said.
Green has registered only 56 runs in four matches (scores of 18; 2; 4 and 32*) at an average of eight. He took 1 wicket for 28 runs against Lucknow Super Giants.
Green's absence from bowling has negatively affected KKR's tactics this season, especially after their key bowlers have been sidelined.
KP definitely has had problems. However, I believe he has good points. It seems to me that the ECB has issues with a player who doesn't have full committment to the national team. An example is Ben Duckett. After being bought in the IPL auction, he backed out to focus on his county cricket to prepare for Test cricket this summer. To me, players should be free to play where ever they want to provided that there isn't any international duties to fulfill.
I believe Andrew Strauss still had a grudge against KP. He was in the middle of the trouble that KP was in in 2012. Strauss should've focused on Pietersen's form. England could've been invincible if he continued his career.
I agree with him on Cameron Green. I lost faith in him a long time ago. These returns doesn't surprise me. I know it's early but seems that it wasn't money well spent.
Also Read: A Golden Disappointment