Hampshire deliver a right Royal snub to Pietersen
HAMPSHIRE have delivered one last snub to Kevin Pietersen for the Twenty20 Finals Day.
Pietersen, 30, has played just seven first-class matches in six years at Hampshire but has been made available by England to play in Saturday’s Rose Bowl showpiece.
But after announcing he is to leave the county at the end of the season to spend more time with his family, the big-hitting batsman has been left out in the cold by the Royals.
“The players who have got the Royals to this point have made their county and everyone associated with the club very proud. We would, therefore, like to stand by them,” said Hampshire chairman Rob Bransgrove. “We wish Kevin and England all the very best for the future.”
Pietersen was magnanimous in reply, announcing on his ‘Twitter’ feed: “I fully understand Hampshire’s position in not selecting me for finals day. “I wish them all the best on the day. I will be watching the lads.”
England have also released Essex opener Alastair Cook for the semi-final with the Royals, and Nottinghamshire duo Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad for their clash with Somerset.