Kevin Pietersen criticized backlash against Jofra Archer, defending players balancing IPL and international cricket after Archer missed England's first Test due to IPL commitments.
Pietersen defended current players and suggested that some criticism lacked perspective
Jun 05, 2026
11:04 am
What's the storyFormer England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen has defended players who juggle their Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments with international matches.
The debate was reignited after Jofra Archer chose to stay with Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2026 playoffs instead of returning early for England's first Test against New Zealand.
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Kevin Pietersen, who has long highlighted the value of the IPL in a player's development, came out strongly in support of…
Stokes fears a hard-line stance could see the likes of Archer desert international cricket.
England captain Ben Stokes has come out in support of fast bowler Jofra Archer amid criticism over his absence from the opening…
LONDON, June 3 : Ben Stokes defended England's decision to rest Jofra Archer for the opening test against New Zealand at Lord's…
Ben Stokes said that no one should question Archer's desire to play for England, and also warned against questioning his…
England coach McCullum suggests the 31-year-old could also miss the second game of the series
