Kevin Pietersen retired from competitive cricket after playing in the on-going Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018. His team Quetta Gladiators qualified for the playoffs, but the former England cricketer decided not to travel to Pakistan for the last stage of the league.
The 37-year-old South Africa born cricketer has 23 hundreds across 104 Test matches, four Ashes wins and 8,181 Test runs, the fifth most in England cricket history.
After a tweet hinting his retirement, South Africa born Pietersen confirmed his retirement with an emotional Instagram post. "Someone just tweeted to tell me that I scored 30000+ runs including 152 fifty's & 68 hundred in my pro career. 4 Ashes wins. Home & away! T20 WC win. Beaten India in India. Home & away 100's in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh.
"All dedicated to my family who have just been the most unreal supporters through thick & thin! I'm super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game!", he wrote.
Cricket fraternity thanked Kevin Pietersen on Twitter for his contribution and service to the game of cricket and for leaving many memorable innings to reminisce upon.
Here are some tweets:
Congratulations @KP24 for your wonderful career and thanks for the great entertainment everywhere .it would be a honoured and proud moment to bowle to you but couldn’t happened. Have a bright and successful future ahead ???????????????????????? #Legend @KP24
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) March 18, 2018
@KP24 a Kickass Personality both on and off the field! Congratulations on your splendid career. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of your striking. #Respect ????????
— Murali Vijay (@mvj888) March 18, 2018
Well done @KP24 on an fantastic career ... Not everyone’s Cup of Tea but you will do for me ... Best Batsman I had the pleasure to play with ... 1st England batsman that put fear into the Aussies .. #WellDone
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 16, 2018
Didn’t know you were still playing ????congratulations on an amazing career and Thankyou for having a positive impact on mine too , that’s the last time I’m being nice to you ???? https://t.co/Fqc7PoVAph
— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) March 17, 2018
I guess my #BringBackKP campaign is now officially retired too.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 17, 2018
Kevin Pietersen was the best England batsman I've seen.
Though only the 2nd best to play at @NewickCC, as this picture confirms.
You were treated disgracefully @KP24 - but genius always annoys mediocre dullards. pic.twitter.com/dD3i3Xw6id
Congrats on a career you can be proud of Kev! Enjoy the family time ???? https://t.co/3v3Y1Nkj2w
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) March 17, 2018
Congratulations @KP24 on having a career built around big ambitions n hi level achievements. Cricket will miss ur presence on the field 4 sure ???? pic.twitter.com/sIXInYIQTL
— Ahmad Shahzad (@iamAhmadshahzad) March 17, 2018
Well done on a fantastic career Champ! Happy retirement! https://t.co/goO6gm6Nqx
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) March 18, 2018
Thank U @KP24 4 inspiring our generation of cricketers wit ur style of play ???? Best wishes always in whatever u do next. Big salute ???? #LegendForever #Gudheart ???? pic.twitter.com/MRewNKwGUW
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) March 18, 2018
Congratulations @KP24 on a remarkable career, you keep us all engaged with your brilliance. Enjoy your next chapter, I’m sure you will have a similar impact!
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) March 17, 2018
Congrats on a phenomenal career, @KP24 !1 of England, legend! All the best on your next venture! You did light up the park wherever you played-your best cricketing moment was when you get the chance to open the batting with me, thank Piers for that! #Blessed #Peter #Champion ???????? pic.twitter.com/T9cbakJDzi
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) March 17, 2018
Thank you to @KP24 for all the entertainment. You were a special player. Your century in Mumbai is part of folklore. Wish you well.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 17, 2018
Well done mate..???? https://t.co/YUGSisOpx1
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) March 17, 2018