After the Melbourne Stars suffered their fourth consecutive defeat in the Big Bash Saturday night, Kevin Pietersen was asked about his future at the Stars beyond his current contract.

Kevin Pietersen drops a bombshell

Perhaps surprisingly the derisive figure confirmed his pending retirement.

“I won’t be playing next season, I’m done.”

The former English international also confirmed the news on Twitter to his 3.58 million followers.

Confirming that this is my last BBL as a player! By the time BBL starts later this yr I cannot see myself wanting to improve or try & get better. That means it’s time to finish! I’ll enjoy playing my last few games at the Adelaide Oval, SCG & MCG! 💚 pic.twitter.com/Erzm8ouxL5 — KP (@KP24) January 7, 2018

The 37 year-old confirmed he will play in the Pakistan Super League and an upcoming T20 tournament in South Africa before his playing career likely comes to an end.

What a star

The powerful batsman has certainly divided opinion over his journey. But you have to applaud what a wonderful playing career it has been.

South African born, Kevin Pietersen fulfilled his requirements to represent England. With his mother being English and a four-year qualifying period of playing County cricket.

This decision was vindicated with an international career spanning almost a decade. A test career that started with a debut against Australia in 2005 and also ended against the Aussies in 2014.

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A test average of 47.28 from 104 tests and an ODI average of 40.73 are the stats of a champion player. Kevin Pietersen was named the ICC ODI player of the year in 2005 and 2006 Wisden cricketer of the year.

It is an impressive CV for the right-hander. Despite the controversial exit from the English side, he has continued to be a polished performer in various domestic competitions since. Including the BBL where he has continued to entertain.

Even up until the last year there always seemed to be some support for Kevin Pietersen to be recalled to the English team but it never eventuated.

At times the swashbuckling batsman has had to defend himself from claims of arrogance. Some may still think this is the case. But he is an entertainer who gives the the crowd value for money.

“I can’t help that people think that I’m arrogant, I think a lot of great sportsman out there have that something little to them that makes them want to be the best. I call it confidence, you guys call it arrogance. It makes for a better headline.”

Goodbye to the Aussie public

With finals qualification no longer a reality for the Melbourne Stars, they have four remaining games with the final game at the MCG against the Hurricanes.

While it might signal the end of the playing career, it may not be the last we see of the former English international on Australian shores.

Kevin Pietersen has had various media roles in the Summer. Both with channel nine during the Ashes and the BBL.

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Pursuing a role in the media appears to be something the 37 year-old is keen to explore. And while I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, the commentary box is certainly much more entertaining and informative with KP in it.

by Liam Sheedy – contributor

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