Kevin Pietersen Blames ECB for Career Setbacks Due to IPL Support

In a candid interview, Kevin Pietersen accused the England Cricket Board of sabotaging his career due to his support for the Indian Premier League. He believes his sacrifices have allowed current players to thrive in the league, while he reflects on missed opportunities in his own career. Pietersen discusses the immense pressure faced by Indian cricketers and shares insights from his own experiences in the IPL, where he was a pioneering figure among English players. This article delves into his claims and the impact of the ECB's actions on his cricketing journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 14:02 IST

Pietersen's Claims Against ECB

Former England cricket star Kevin Pietersen has accused the England Cricket Board (ECB) of undermining his career due to his backing of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pietersen, who once captained the national team, believes that his sacrifices paved the way for the current generation of English players to participate in the IPL and secure lucrative contracts. He expressed regret over not having played more matches, stating he could have ranked among the highest run-scorers in Test cricket history.

According to Pietersen, his endorsement of the IPL led to resentment from the cricket governing body, which he claims used the media to launch attacks against him. This, he argues, resulted in his international career ending prematurely at the age of 33. "I made significant sacrifices, and I lost my career because of it. I should have played 150 or 160 Test matches and amassed 12,000 or 13,000 runs," he stated during an appearance on 'The Ranveer Show.' He also mentioned that Jos Buttler acknowledged his sacrifices, suggesting that the current players are now reaping the benefits of his struggles.

Pietersen further elaborated on how the IPL enriched his understanding of cricket, particularly highlighting the immense pressure faced by Indian players compared to their counterparts in other nations. He remarked, "The pressure they endure is extraordinary. Playing for England or Australia doesn't compare to the expectations on players like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. That is real pressure."

Pietersen's IPL Journey

Dimitri Mascarenhas was the first English cricketer to participate in the IPL, making his debut in 2009. That same year, Pietersen, along with renowned all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, entered the auction and secured record contracts with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Pietersen even captained RCB during the initial phase of the 2009 season before Anil Kumble took over when Pietersen left for international commitments. He continued to play for RCB in 2010 and later represented Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG).