Kevin Pietersen rips apart ECB as Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler leave IPL before playoffs
London: Former England captain Kevin Pietersen lashed out at England and Wales Cricket Board as Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler leave Indian Premier League ahead of playoffs and join England cricket team for a training camp in Spain.
Stokes, who played a pivotal role in his side’s – Rising Pune Supergiant’s jump to number two spot in points table, won’t feature in their playoff tie against Mumbai Indians; a team Buttler played for.
Pietersen, who has been on commentary duties in the ongoing IPL season, was livid with ECB and termed the decision to recall the duo from IPL “pathetic”.
“I think it's pathetic. An absolute shambles. Stokes should be playing in the semi-final, and the final. The last week of the IPL is a huge occasion,” Pietersen told Sky Sports.
“Just speak to him, speak to Jos Buttler, they'll talk about how much it has helped their development being out there. What are they going to Spain for? To field a couple of balls? He should be playing in the IPL,” he added.
“I'm going to be in Mumbai for the semi-final on Tuesday and I'm excited by that as a commentator – that stadium is electric. It's only going to be benefiting English cricket for that bloke to be playing on Tuesday, getting his team to a final on Sunday, and then possibly lifting the trophy. He is the kind of player that could do that,” said Pietersen.
Pietersen also rubbished the view that players are featuring in the IPL only for “cash”.
“Cash is one thing, and I know in this country they like to talk cash, cash, cash with IPL, but for his development - have a look at the tweet that Buttler put out last night, how much he loved the experience - playing with those players, coached by Mahela Jayawardene,” said KP.
“It's just incredible for your learning and your development as a player to play in these conditions. I promise you, you can learn a heck of a lot from playing in India. The one thing that all international players learn from is the ability to go to India, to have success in India, to have friends in India, which makes [it easier] travelling the sub-continent – which are big, big tours because the BCCI is where the money is at,” concluded Pietersen.
