Pietersen rules himself out of IPL auction

(Photo: Getty Images)

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has declared that he will not be entering the auction for this year’s Indian Premier League.

The 36-year-old says that he needs a break after taking part in Australia‘s Big Bash League and South Africa‘s T20 Challenge.

Pietersen explained his decision 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!”

The batsman was released from Rising Pune Supergiants in December after injuries restricted him to just four matches.

Pietersen has been a regular player in the IPL since his debut in 2009, also playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Deccan Chargers and Delhi Daredevils.

He will also take part in the Pakistan Super League in February and March for the Quetta Gladiators.

The former batsman has also been fined 5,000 Australian dollars (£3,000) for complaining about an umpiring decision.

He was heard on air saying: “That was a shocker, an absolute shocker.” Pietersen has 48 hours to decide whether to appeal.