The IPL 2017 auction, which has been postponed to late February, will not see one of the big names of world cricket in the list and that is of Kevin Pietersen. The former Rising Pune Supergiants batsman has shocked many IPL fans as he has decided to skip IPL 2017.
Pietersen announced his decision on Twitter. The Englishman is one of the most experienced players in the shortest format of the game, playing in T20 leagues around the world, and he seems to be tired with all the travelling. The batsman also recent featured in the recently concluded Big Bash League for the Melbourne Stars, where he scored 268 runs.
FYI - I won't be going into the IPL auction. My winter has been too busy with all my travel & I don't want to spend April/May away too!
— KP (@KP24) February 3, 2017
The flamboyant batsman, who had to leave IPL 2016 early due to calf injury, was released by Rising Pune Supergiants for the 10th edition of IPL. Hence, he was was expected to be one of the sought-after players in IPL 2017 auction.
With Pietersen's surprising decision, it is the IPL teams, who needs to chalk out some other alternative for the star player, who must have been on the radar of most teams.
Pietersen has been one of the regulars of IPL, having played for some quality teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils, Deccan Chargers and Rising Pune Supergiants. IPL fans all over the world have always been entertained with his electric batting performances in the T20 league, but they will miss him big time this season.
Though he might have given IPL 2017 a skip, it remains to be seen if Pietersen will feature in the Pakistan Super League, which stakes shape in a few days time. He plays for Quetta Gladiators in PSL.
