Pietersen to miss IPL

LONDON, May 14: Kevin Pietersen will not be able to play in this year’s Indian Premier League because of calf and Achilles injuries.

Pietersen, 34, had been due to fly to India on Friday to fulfil his IPL contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The  batsman sustained the injuries during County Championship match, and is expected to be out from cricket for two weeks.

The South Africa-born batsman, who has not represented England since he was sacked in February 2014, was bought at the IPL auction by Hyderabad for Rs 2 crore in February.

However, incoming England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves said Pietersen could be in contention for an intertiol recall if he joined an English county and scored enough runs.

As a result, the right-hander pulled out of a deal with Hyderabad and signed for Surrey, although he would still be contracted to play in the later stages of the IPL.

Despite Pietersen’s highest score of his career, England’s director of cricket Andrew Strauss denied to give him  a chance to return into the tiol side because of “massive trust issues”.

Pietersen said he was angry and hurt at being told he will not be considered for selection by England, accusing the ECB of being “deceitful”.

Hyderabad, who  are placed in third position in the IPL points table, have two group games remaining. (IANS)