Published: May 14, 2015, 02:20 PM (IST)
Edited: May 14, 2015, 03:18 PM (IST)
Mumbai: Former India batsman Rahul Dravid stated that he was disappointed at the treatment meted out to Kevin Pietersen by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), with Director of Cricket for England Andrew Strauss stating that the batsman would not be selected for England’s upcoming series against New Zealand as well as the Ashes. READ: Kevin Pietersen cannot return due to trust issues with ECB, says Andrew Strauss
“I think it is disappointing. He [Kevin Pietersen] is a terrific player. The episode has put a lot of pressure on [Alastair] Cook and [Andrew] Strauss.
“If England win the Ashes, there will be no questions. But if they lose, it will be tough,” Dravid was quoted as saying at an event at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai on Thursday. READ: Kevin Pietersen, a hero England need but do not deserve
Pietersen was denied a spot in the England team after he slammed a triple-century for Surrey against Leicestershire in the ongoing County Championship at the Oval. The South African-born batsman opted to play County cricket instead of the Indian Premier League (IPL), hoping to make his way back to the national team. READ: Kevin Pietersen takes a dig at Andrew Strauss
Isa Guha, former England woman cricketer and currently a commentator in the IPL, subscribed to Dravid’s views on the Kevin Pietersen-ECB saga.
“ECB have not handled the issue well. We also need to see what the players want. I would like to see KP play.
“The issue could be due to a lack of communication in the ECB,” Guha was quoted as saying.
Pietersen stated that he was devastated by ECB’s decision, and decided to head to India for the IPL, where he was to represent the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, he has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring niggle that he sustained while playing for Surrey. READ: Australians delighted not to face Kevin Pietersen during Ashes
The batsman recieved support from the cricketing fraternity as well as from fans all over the world. Several current and former cricketers expressed shock and anger over Strauss’s announcement, with former South Africa captain Graeme Smith stating that Strauss had made England “a laughing stock”.
