Kevin Pietersen feels Punjab Kings have no respect for Chris Gayle

Kevin Pietersen said Chris Gayle was not given respect and proper treatment by Punjab Kings before the veteran pulled out of the remaining matches, citing bio-bubble fatigue. Gayle announced the decision on September 30, saying he needed to give himself a break ahead of the T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman.

Kevin Pietersen highlighted that PBKS did not give Chris Gayle a chance to get out and express himself on his 42nd birthday. Gayle played only two matches in the UAE leg and he managed just 1 and 14. Overall, he played 10 matches and managed just 193 runs at an average of a little over 20 in IPL 2021.

“He is not being treated right in his environment. He feels like they are using him and getting rid of him, using him and getting rid of him. Didn’t play him on his birthday, cast him aside. If he is not happy, he is 42, let him do what he wants,” Pietersen said on Star Sports on Friday.

Earlier, Gayle revealed his decision to withdraw from the campaign and said: “I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself. I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off.”