Kevin Pietersen: “I am definitely coming to the end of my playing time”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has revealed that he could bring the curtain down on his cricketing career entirely after the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).
Pietersen will represent the Melbourne Stars in the tournament, but admitted that his desire to keep playing top-level cricket is “dwindling”.
Pietersen has played in domestic Twenty20 competitions all over the world since he was axed from the England squad following their 5-0 whitewash at the hands of Australia in the 2013/14 Ashes series.
“I am definitely coming to the end of my playing time,” Pietersen told cricket.com.au. “So I am definitely going to enjoy the last few digs.
“It’s fairly close. It’s the practice that you look at and you just think, ‘do I want to do it?’ I’ve still got the energy at the moment but it’s dwindling.”
When asked if the 2017/18 BBL will be the final chapter of his illustrious cricketing career, Pietersen said: “Possibly.”
Pietersen is entering his fourth season with the Stars and despite being one of the key players in their squad, he has also taken on the role of a mentor and has been passing on his knowledge of the game to the younger members in the side.
“I’m coming to the end of my career,” he said. “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.”
When playing for England, Pietersen was often targeted by Australian fans, but after having played in the BBL, Pietersen conceded that his perception of the country has changed.
“I absolutely love Australia,” he said. “Great golf courses and great cities … Magnificent restaurants, great people.
“I had a love-hate relationship when I played for England but I’ve been wearing this (pointing to his Stars shirt) for three or four seasons, I love this place.
“Whenever I get the opportunity to come to Australia with Australians and be part of the Australian set up… it’s amazing. It’s such a beautiful country.”