Former England star Kevin Pietersen stated that the controversy that stretched out for years between him and the ECB over his playing in the IPL was one of the main reasons for his premature exit from international cricket.

While speaking in a podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia, Pietersen asserted that his taking up franchise cricket when it was still not wholly embraced was a considerable personal cost. But, it arguably also led to greater freedom for future cricketers playing in T20 leagues.

"I had to sacrifice a lot, I lost my career over it," said Pietersen when questioned on whether he was the one who allowed the English cricketers to play in the IPL. "100%, they went against me in the whole institution for this exact reason."

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The controversy stems back to 2009 when IPL was in its initial phase. ECB only permitted centrally contracted players to participate in the league for a period of three weeks during that time. While no such centrally contracted player was permitted in the first season back in 2008.

Pietersen, who represented England but was born in South Africa, joined Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009. Prioritising IPL over national duty caused rift between him and ECB. This conflict of interest simultaneously coincided with an episode of downfall with the then England coach, Peter Moores, aggravating the whole situation further.

Pietersen asserted:

"When I finished England career at the age of 33, after 104 Test matches, should have played 150-160 tests and have scored 12,000-13,000 runs. That's what I should have been there achieving." 

Pietersen concluded his Test career with 8,181 runs in 104 matches at an average of 47.3 with 23 centuries and 35 half-centuries to his name.

The case was known throughout England and beyond the country too. He spoke of the handling of the situation in public too.

Pietersen added:

"The ECB used The Telegraph to go after me... I don't want to go too deep. Well, it was, and I now live a very quiet, happy life." 

Post his England career, Pietersen continued playing for the IPL teams, notably for Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiant and was also appointed the mentor of Delhi Capitals for the 2025 season.

The story of Kevin Pietersen clearly illustrates how the IPL changed the game of cricket and the choices that had to be made by players during its early stages.