"If Quetta reaches the final then I will decide about going to Pakistan" : Kevin Pietersen

[MenInG]

KARACHI: Former England Batsman Kevin Pietersen, star of the show for Quetta Gladiators in their clash with Lahore Qalandars, has said he will make a decision about whether to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore once his side qualifies for that title-deciding game.

“I haven’t yet decided whether to go or not; if Quetta reaches the final then I will decide on it,” said the right-handed batsman, who scored an unbeaten 88 to help his side chase down Lahore’s 200-run total. “Right now the team has momentum behind it and we will hopefully reach the final.”

The 36-year-old was happy he could turn around his PSL form, which had previously seen him score three runs in three innings. “I play my innings according to the need of the team,” said Pietersen. “Today I was able to play some good shots so I kept on going.”

History repeats itself as Quetta chase 201 against Lahore

Lahore had been the first team to reach the 200-run mark in this year’s PSL but Pietersen believes sometimes chasing such totals is easier. “When you have 200 runs to chase it is easier than chasing 120 since you aren’t looking at the target but instead just keep on hitting.”

The controversial batsman added he was not worried about his poor form. “I was in the top 10 run-scorers during Australia’s Big Bash League so my recent lean run wasn’t bothering me,” he said. “In sports, you have more bad days than you have good days.”

Pietersen recently decided to drop out of the Indian Premier League, citing family reasons for doing so. “I have no plans to play cricket after this PSL ends since I have to give time to my family,” he said. “I have a young family and a daughter of one. I will think about what to do in the summer.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1332112/kevin-pietersen-undecided-playing-lahore/

 

[Hawkeye]

It's understandable hed prioritize his family and life first.

Though there is low chance players can get hurt with all the security that will be provided, but the safety factor will still be on their mind.

He won't play if Quetta reaches the final, from what I can guess.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Sensible thing for Pakistan to do would be to not host it in Pakistan.

A simple risk-reward analysis says - if they host it successfully people will only heave a sigh of relief and not be encouraged by it because of what's happened.

If it doesn't go successfully, well you will have whole world to tell you "I told you so" and forget for the next couple of decades at least about cricket returning back to Pakistan.

 

[super hitter]

Najam Sethi needs to understand the fact by now, no PSL in Pakistan means no!

After those bomb blasts how can you just make up things again....

But at the same time, I think if the final is hosted in Lahore, then it is going to be a historic one
!

 

[spade]

He has got to do whatever he feels is right, has a young family so any decision he takes should be respected. As far as hosting the finals in Pakistan is concerned, its a no brainer have the finals in Lahore irrespective of the foreign players, I hope they don't backtrack.

 

[Barragan]

If KP or any other foreigner decides not to come, then it is completely understandable.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Najam Sethi needs to understand the fact by now, no PSL in Pakistan means no!

After those bomb blasts how can you just make up things again....

But at the same time, I think if the final is hosted in Lahore, then it is going to be a historic one
!

You seriously think if the PSL final in Lahore goes through without any attack it will prove anything?

 

[super hitter]

You seriously think if the PSL final in Lahore goes through without any attack it will prove anything?

not at all, but historic in a sense that the Pakistani awaam is desperate for some valuable entertainment.