Kevin Pietersen withdraws from Indian Premier League auction to take break
Friday 3 February 2017 08:19, UK
Kevin Pietersen has pulled out of the Indian Premier League auction and is facing a misconduct charge in Australia.
The former England batsman confirmed on Friday morning that he would not be seeking a return to the IPL as he needs a break in the wake of playing in the Big Bash League.
He has been a regular in India's Twenty20 league, having played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiants since 2009.
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Pietersen wrote on Twitter: "FYI - I won't be going into the IPL auction. My winter has been too busy with all my travel & I don't want to spend April/May away too!"
He has just finished a stint in Australia with the Melbourne Stars, where he has been charged with misconduct after complaining at an umpiring decision.
Pietersen spoke to commentators shortly after Perth batsman Sam Whiteman was given not out following an appeal for caught behind.
"Shocker. Absolute shocker," Pietersen said while on air.
"He (the umpire) said it could have been glove or it could have been pad. I said 'Well, he's got big gloves and big pads to reach that'. Massive. Massive nick."
Umpire Shawn Craig later admitted he had made a mistake but Pietersen was charged with a breach of Cricket Australia's code of conduct.
Pietersen admitted the charge and an appeal against the size of the fine, which comes in at just over £3,000, was turned down.
He has 48 hours to decide whether to take his appeal further.
