Now that Kevin Pietersen has had to undergo an operation on his Achilles tendon that has rules him out of the Ashes after the second Test at Lord’s, it has emerged that the England Cricket Board is keen to clamp down on the England’s players Twenty20 commitments.
It has emerged that Pietersen joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as captain of the team for the IPL 2 season in South Africa despite having sustained the injury on England’s tour to the Caribbean. Upon jogging in Durban, the aggravation worsened and it has eventually led to a circumspect KP playing against Australia and eventually withdrawing with the injury when it hampered it to the point of being unable to perform.
Now the ECB is keen to enforce stricter policy and not allow the contracted players to sign up for Twenty20 leagues such as the IPL. The view is being endorsed by England captain, Andrew Strauss, and England coach, Andy Flower.
Andrew Flintoff’s deals with Queenlands in Australia’s domestic Twenty20 tournament and for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL would not be an issue despite his injured knee because he has already announced his retirement. But KP may not be so lucky.
Kevin Pietersen Out of Ashes with Achilles Surgery, Concerns for Oz
Flintoff Endorses Gilly’s View for Fewer Tests
Boycott Digs into KP, Calls him “Spoilt Child”
Ashes: Russell Crowe Steals the Show Post Tea
Queen At Lord’s, England Reign
Ashes T 2 Day 5 Before Lunch: England, Flintoff Change History at Lord’s
Atherton: England Should not Grieve over Andrew “Second Hand Car” Flintoff
Flintoff Makes Retirement Announcement, Tests Out
Ashes T1 day 5: England Complete a Houdini, Draw with Australia
Strauss Fights off IPL Dilemma and England Allegiance
Andrew Strauss gives Kevin Personal Responsibility
