Boycott: Giving KP false hope is ‘unfair’

Former England batsman Sir Geoffrey Boycott has reprimanded the ECB for giving retired batsman Kevin Pietersen hope of a comeback to the national side, saying they must be honest with the player.
New ECB chairman Colin Graves hinted last week that if Pietersen played county cricket then the door to the Test side could be opened again, but Boycott said it was irresponsible, and unkind, to say that if it's not true.
Pietersen, at nearly 35, has not played for England in a year after being sacked following the Ashes tour to Australia in early 2014. Since then, he's been released by Surrey and has played only T20 tournaments around the world.
He has never given up on playing for England again though, despite officially retiring, and Graves' assertion that a good county season could get KP a foot in the door was met with derision from Boycott, given the men still in charge of selection are the ones who sacked Pietersen.
'Boycs' said: "It’s all right the chairman saying he has to play county cricket. But if he does that and gives up a lucrative IPL contract and [ECB managing director] Paul Downton and [national selector] James Whitaker are still not going to pick him, that’s leading him on isn't it? And that’s not fair.
"It needs to be put clear to him that if he plays well in county cricket then there’s going to be a genuine change of heart and change of opinion that he is going to be open for selection and they are going to put bygones to one side."
For his part, Pietersen seemed thrilled with the news, optimistically tweeting: "Incredibly humbling how supportive you've all been since the news broke from Mr Colin Graves. Gonna try work this out for sure."
Latest
-
News
Keith Barker blows away Somerset to help Hampshire to victory
The visitors needed just one run in their second innings to seal victory.
-
News
Craig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.