Kevin Pietersen mentions family as the reason for not travelling to Pakistan

As we head into the business end of the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), that is scheduled to be staged in Pakistan, the teams will witness some of their players parting ways as they decide not to travel to Pakistan. One of the most recognizable faces among those who won’t feature anymore in the tournament is the Quetta Gladiators’ batsman Kevin Pietersen. The explosive middle-order English batsman mentions family considerations behind his decision for not travelling to Pakistan.

The English player, who even calls it a day in his professional career, played his last game for Quetta Gladiators on Thursday night. In a video released via the official Twitter handle of Quetta Gladiators, Kevin apologizes to his fans reciting the reasons for his inability to take further part in the ongoing PSL.

Wishes luck to the Purple team

Pietersen in a heartfelt message for his beloved fans, asks them to respect his decision as he prioritizes his family and feels sorry to leave Dubai and travel to London. Although, he wishes to be a part of the team in knockout stage but reckons this to be an unfortunate decision as he bids goodbye to all his fans.

“It’s with a very sorry heart that I have to leave Dubai and go back to London now. I wish I could travel [to Pakistan], but unfortunately [it’s my] family’s decision, and [my family] is important to me. I hope you can respect my decision and my family’s decision not to travel [to Pakistan],” he said.

The 37-year old sees this an opportunity for his team to lift the trophy. If Pietersen is to be believed, there are still plenty chances for the team to qualify given they perform to the best of their potential. He appeals to the fans to get behind the Purple team as he promises to be on the top of everything that the team does for the next couple of days.

“We have an opportunity to win this [PSL], we really do. We are still in this competition. So please support the Purple Team. I will keep supporting the Purple Team. Third time lucky, remember!.”

“The Purple Team will do it, hopefully. Inshallah!” he added.

Here’s the video :

You will be missed @KP24
Great career!!
Thank you for everything. Wish you could stayed with us till PSL final but we respect your decision. pic.twitter.com/J84LYVNHgd

— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) March 17, 2018