• T20

Gayle slates KP T20 decision

ESPN staff
June 14, 2012
Chris Gayle has questioned England's rule over Twenty20 and Kevin Pietersen being unable to play © AFP
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Chris Gayle has criticised England's decision to refuse to allow Kevin Pietersen to continue playing Twenty20 cricket.

Pietersen recently announced his retirement from the 50-over format of international cricket but still wanted to compete at Twenty20. West Indies talisman Gayle says Pietersen's absence from the England set-up when they attempt to defend the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka this autumn will be clearly felt.

"KP is the best batsman in the team and the coach, captain, players and fans will really miss him," Gayle said in the Sun.

"The Kevin Pietersen situation is really unfortunate. The England rules are that, once you don't play 50-over cricket, you can't play T20.

"If someone wants to retire from one, I don't see why he has to retire from the other. Kevin is a star player and he must know how much his body can take."

Gayle made his first appearance for the Windies since the 2011 World Cup on Wednesday, hitting 34 in a 228-run victory over Middlesex at Lord's.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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