BBL 2017/18: Kevin Pietersen Calls it Quit on Big Bash League

Star England batsman Kevin Pietersen has announced his retirement and says that the ongoing Big Bash season will be his last stint with Melbourne Stars and he will not re-sign the contract. Pietersen announced his retirement on the back of Stars loss in the Melbourne derby. This has been Stars worst ever start to a BBL season losing all four matches to begin the season. Pietersen also recorded his highest score of BBL|07 with a 30 ball 40 against Renegades.

Pietersen has had a controversial international career as he was banished from the English side following England’s 5-0 whitewash in the 2013/14 Ashes. Since then he has been one of the most sought after T20 batsman all around the world playing in different T20 leagues. Pietersen has been Stars leading run scorer in all the three seasons he has been associated with the club.

Pietersen announced his retirement after the Melbourne derby:

“I’m coming to the end of my career, my career is not going to be defined on how I play in the Big Bash. My career has already been defined by all my ups and downs though a long career. It’s my job to come here and help others, help the youngsters, be a good influence, be a positive influence on the team. That’s what I’ve done for three or four years.”

Pietersen has played 29 matches for Stars and had 998 runs to his name at an average of 38.38 with a highest score 76. Pietersen had earlier pulled out of the illustrious Indian Premier League just before the auctions and played his final in the UK earlier this year while playing for Surrey. He has been retained by Quetta Gladiators for the upcoming Pakistan Super League and will be his final tournament.

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