LONDON: Former England Test batsman Kevin Pietersen says the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be his last appearance in a cricket tournament abroad.

The 37-year-old right-hander, representing Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, has been playing white-ball cricket across the world since being exiled from the England fold in 2014.

South Africa-born Pietersen has been playing for Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiants in the IPL, Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash, St Lucia Stars in the Caribbean and Sunfoil Dolphins in South Africa, as well as Surrey back home in England.

Speaking on social media, Pietersen said he has grown tired of saying goodbye to his family and admits he has had his time.

“Countless goodbyes to Jessica and my kids as a cricket player, and this one this evening is the last one I’ll ever have to do,” he said.

“I’ve hated every goodbye but also known it’s work so just gotten on with it. The journey has been absolutely amazing and for the next 3/4 weeks I’ll be a current professional and then it’s chapter closed.

“[I’ve] had my time and loved it but the endless goodbyes and travel needs to calm down now. Cricket has been the best.”

After starting his England career with an ODI against Zimbabwe back in 2004 at Harare, Pietersen went on to represent England in 104 Tests scoring 8,181 runs at an impressive average of 47.28, including 23 hundreds and 35 half-centuries.

In ODIs, he totalled 4,440 runs at a nice average of 40.73 with nine centuries and 25 half-centuries, and in Twenty20s for England he notched 1,176 runs at a noteworthy average of 37.93 with the help of seven half-centuries.

Pietersen’s time with the national side was brought to an end following a disastrous tour to Australia, but his position in the England dressing room came firmly in the spotlight after controversy over text messages he shared with South Africa players during the 2012 Test series.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2018