IPL's former commissioner Lalit Modi has dropped his reaction to the former England skipper Kevin Pietersen's recent revelation against England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Lalit Modi supports Kevin Pietersen
Pietersen has surprised the cricketing world by saying that the ECB damaged his international career because of a disagreement over his IPL contract.
In a recent interview with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, the former batter revealed that prioritizing IPL caused him to lose his place in the England cricket team.
"I made big sacrifices. I lost my career. That's the reason why everybody in that establishment went against me," he said. "I was 33 when my England career finished, after 104 Test matches. I should have played 150-160 Tests and scored 12,000-13,000 runs. That's what I should have achieved," said Pietersen.
The former England batter went on to say that the matter was well publicised, and now he is living a very healthy and peaceful life.
"The ECB used The Telegraph to go after me... I don't want to go too deep into it. It was well-publicised, and I live a very happy, peaceful life now," added Pitersen.
Now, Lalit Modi has appreciated Kevin Pietersen's sacrifice, saying his contribution towards the growth of IPL will be remembered as the former England batter was critical for the integrity of the tournament.
"The biggest sacrifice by @KP24 - and a big boost for the @IPL. Will never forget this. He was critical, as far as I am concerned, for the integrity of the #IPL," wrote Lalit Modi
Modi went on to claim that the English franchise tournament "The Hundred" is an outright scam, adding that he feels pity for the owners who brought teams in the competition.
"Stupid as usual of the @ECB_cricket. A pompous body full of themselves. No care for the players and fans alike. History proves it - first the Stanford fiasco, second the BIGGEST FIASCO WAITING TO HAPPEN: @thehundred. Pity all the owners who bought into this scam of all scams. The fine print on their prospectus says it all," wrote Modi.
Glance at Kevin Pietersen's international career
For the England cricket team, Kevin Pietersen played 136 ODIs, 104 Tests and 37 T2OIs. In ODIs, Pietersen amassed 4440 runs at an average of 40.7 and a strike rate of 86.6.
Meanwhile in Test cricket, the-right-handed batter scored 8181 runs at an average of 47.7 and a strike rate of 61.7, he smashed 23 centuries and 35 half-centuries in the format.
In 37 T20Is, Pietersen was quite effective for the Three Lions, with 1176 runs at an average of 37.9 and with a strike rate of 141.5.