Pietersen criticises Cook for Bethell comments

Alastair Cook (right) was captain when Kevin Pietersen's international career was ended in 2014 [Getty Images]

Kevin Pietersen has rekindled an old feud with Alastair Cook by defending Jacob Bethell's continued presence at the Indian Premier League (IPL).

England batter Bethell, who made a breakthrough century in the final Ashes Test in January, is yet to feature for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in this year's IPL.

"He's not doing anything," Cook said on the Stick to Cricket podcast. "Ideally he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England."

But Pietersen responded by writing on X: "Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it's like to be in the IPL. What it's like to always be around the best players in the world.

"So his opinion on Jacob Bethell doesn't matter at all. Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you're not playing, you're learning and will be a way better player."

Pietersen and Cook infamously fell out over the decision to end Pietersen's England career following the 2013-14 Ashes, when Cook was captain.

Pietersen, who played 104 Tests between 2005 and 2014, has always been an advocate of the benefits of players taking part in the IPL. His stance often left him at odds with England management, at a time when the IPL was viewed with great suspicion by the English game.

Cook never played at the IPL, but when he ended his 161-Test career in 2018, the left-hander held the record for most runs scored by an England batter. His mark of 12,472 has since been overtaken by Joe Root. Cook was knighted in 2019.

After his superb century in Sydney, 22-year-old Bethell looks assured of a place in the England XI for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's on 4 June – four days after the IPL final.

However, his absence from the RCB line-up means he has not played any cricket since 5 March. He has played only one first-class match for Warwickshire since August 2024.

But Pietersen said a stint at the IPL, the world's richest cricket tournament, outweighs time on the county circuit.

"By practising with the best players in the world," wrote the 45-year-old. "By watching very closely the best players in the world. By speaking to the best coaches in the world.

"By building life-long friendships with the best players in the world. By acquainting himself with India so that whenever he tours India, it's easier for him. If you think playing a county game in Derby in April is better for his development, I can't help."