Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has said that his international cricket career ended earlier than expected because of a dispute over his involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

 

Speaking in a recent interview with Indian YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Pietersen claimed that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) created pressure around his IPL participation during the early years of the tournament. He also alleged that sections of the British media were used to build negativity around him at the time.

 

On the responsibility he carries for England players featuring in the IPL today, Pietersen reflected on his own experience during the 2009 period and said he made major personal sacrifices.

 

“I made big sacrifices. I lost my career. That’s the reason why everybody in that establishment went against me,” he said.

 

Pietersen believes he left international cricket too soon and feels he had more to achieve at the highest level. 

 

“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 added.

 

He finished his Test career with 8181 runs at an average of 47.28, including 23 centuries and 35 half-centuries.

 

Pietersen played in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad during his career and later joined Delhi Capitals as mentor in 2025.