Kevin Pietersen says IPL auction is a ‘slap in Test cricket’s face’
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen says Monday’s auction for the Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition was “another slap in Test cricket’s face”.
England duo Ben Stokes and Tymal Mills were bought for £1.7m and £1.4m by Rising Pune Supergiants and and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively.
Pace bowler Mills only plays Twenty20 cricket because of back pains.
“A T20 specialist becomes one of the current England team’s richest players,” said Pietersen.
Pietersen has not played an international match since he was sacked by England in 2014.
He has since become a T20 specialist and played in competitions in Australia, India, South Africa, the West Indies and in the Pakistani T20 tournament held in the UAE.
“I embraced [T20] eight years ago and it’s what caused me my P45,” said the 36-year-old on social media. “I absolutely love how all these youngsters are now benefiting.
“I love how T20 is growing the game. I’m just saying that Tests are falling way behind at the moment. The ICC [International Cricket Council] needs to act and quick.”
