Players jealous of KP's IPL chances – Jones

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Former England fast bowler Simon Jones, who played with Kevin Pietersen at Hampshire, reckons other England players were jealous of Pietersen's financial success and starring role at the Indian Premier League.

Former England fast bowler Simon Jones, who played with Kevin Pietersen at Hampshire, reckons other England players were jealous of Pietersen's financial success and starring role at the Indian Premier League.

Pietersen's new book about his time with England has opened a 'can of worms' according to Jones, with allegations of bullying in the dressing room, and Pietersen slamming a number of senior players, as well as Andy Flower.

When asked if players were jealous of Pietersen, and that was a reason for the initial rift, Jones said: "Definitely. He's gone over to the IPL and was earning mega bucks.

"He was the one getting all of the endorsement deals and making millions. It all stems from the IPL.

"Kevin wanted to go over there, develop himself as a cricketer and a lot of green eyes appeared from that. Maybe that's where this whole mess comes from.

"He's being one hundred per cent honest. He's kept his powder dry. He had that clause when he lost his England contract and now this book has opened a can of worms.

"It's scathing of the ECB and the players. It makes for very messy reading for fans of English cricket."

He added of Pietersen's chances of playing for the Three Lions again: "I can't see a way back in for him now. The ECB have moved on. I can't see them taking a backward step."

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