Leave The Players Out Of This: Kevin Pietersen Slams English Media For 'Quizzing' England Players On Rotation Policy

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has hit back at the English press for their constant questioning of players about the rotation policy, IPL and them missing the early summer Tests against New Zealand.

England’s much-talked-about rotation policy has come under the scanner following the Joe Root-led unit’s 1-3 mauling at the hands of India and the admission by head coach Chris Silverwood that some of the IPL-bound players might miss out on the early summer Tests against New Zealand and the fact that England will continue to rotate the players even during the Ashes as part of their workload management.

With the T20I series set to kickstart in a few days, players like Jos Buttler, who returned home after playing the first Test, and Sam Curran, who was rested for the series, have been quizzed by the English media about their take on the rotation policy, skipping Tests because of the IPL.

Jos Buttler made no bones about the fact that IPL is financially lucrative and that the multi-format England players might miss the Test series against New Zealand if their franchise qualifies for the playoffs.

It could potentially (mean),” Jos Butter admitted on missing the New Zealand Tests.

“We all know the benefits of IPL. It’s a huge tournament and monetary rewards are obvious and also the experience you gain and it has its pluses too. And it’s obvious in the upturn of white ball game in England, and number of players participating in it and how beneficial it is to all of us,” he said during the virtual press-conference. “Of course the schedule is tough and there is no perfect balance to it and ECB and players are working closely trying to manage that.” “Is there a perfect answer? No in the times that we are operating at the moment,” he added.

Sam Curran was also asked the same and he threw his weight behind the ECB’s decision to rotate players besides allowing them to feature in the full-fledged season of the IPL, potentially at the expense of Test cricket.

”There’s been a lot of stuff spoken about rotation. I think as a player, I’ve found it beneficial. The bubbles are tough from a player’s perspective, being away for long periods. Coming back after my break, I do really refreshed and raring to go for this white-ball series. I think it is going to be a great series. Various players have had breaks so I’m sure guys might say similar things. Everyone reacts to the bubbles in very different ways so that’s why I think the ECB have been good to us as players to allow us to get out and come back. It’s about keeping us mentally and physically fresh. I certainly appreciate that,” said Sam Curran.

Kevin Pietersen, on Wednesday, took to his official Twitter account, where he criticized the English press for constantly quizzing England players. Pietersen said that the media should direct the question at ECB’s chief Tom Harrison, Ashley Giles and national selector Ed Smith.

”So the PLAYERS are now being quizzed by media everyday about IPL and playing early Test matches in England. First the youngster, Curran & now Jos. The questions should be at Harrison, Giles & Smith! Not seen them front up to India debacle?! Leave the players out of this!” wrote Kevin Pietersen.

So the PLAYERS are now being quizzed by media everyday about IPL and playing early Test matches in England. First the youngster, Curran & now Jos.

The questions should be at Harrison, Giles & Smith! Not seen them front up to India debacle?!

Leave the players out of this!

— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) March 10, 2021

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