Pietersen hits back at Cook over Bethell's IPL future in 2026

Kevin Pietersen dismissed Alastair Cook's remarks about Jacob Bethell not playing in the IPL, defending the young batter's decision to stay in India.

Old feud reignites A long-standing rivalry between Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook flared up again after Cook questioned Jacob Bethell's lack of IPL appearances this season. England's batter Bethell, who scored a breakthrough century in January's Ashes finale, has yet to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing IPL. Cook shared his thoughts on the Stick to Cricket podcast, stating, 'He's not doing anything.' He suggested Bethell could return to open for Warwickshire to aid England's preparations. ## Pietersen defends Bethell's IPL choice Pietersen took to X to strongly disagree with Cook's opinion, writing, '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.' He added that Cook's views on Bethell hold no weight and urged the youngster to remain in India. '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.' ## Historical split between Pietersen and Cook Pietersen and Cook's relationship soured years ago over the termination of Pietersen's England career following the 2013-14 Ashes, when Cook led the team. Pietersen, who featured in 104 Tests from 2005 to 2014, has long championed the value of IPL participation for cricketers. His support for the league often clashed with England's management during a period when the tournament was widely viewed with skepticism by domestic cricket authorities. Cook, who never participated in the IPL, retired from Test cricket in 2018 after amassing 12,472 runs, a record later surpassed by Joe Root. Cook received a knighthood in 2019. ## Bethell's England prospects and IPL benefits Jacob Bethell's impressive century in Sydney has strengthened his claim to a spot in England's Test XI for the first match against New Zealand at Lord's on 4 June, just four days after the IPL final. Despite this, his absence from Royal Challengers Bengaluru's lineup means he has not played any cricket since 5 March. He has featured in only one first-class game for Warwickshire since August 2024. Pietersen argued that Bethell's time in the IPL, the sport's most lucrative tournament, offers greater benefits than county cricket. He wrote, 'By practising with the best players in the world, 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.' ## Bethell's preference and IPL experience Bethell made his first Test century batting at number three, but Cook believes his fellow left-hander could adapt to opening if needed for England. Bethell told the Sky Sports Cricket podcast that he would open if asked but prefers to bat at three. He also expressed confidence in his decision to stay in the IPL rather than play for Warwickshire early in the season. 'I feel better now than I was a month ago, just from getting time around the guys over here and the pure standard of cricket in India and the IPL,' he said. 'Every nets session, you've got hundreds of eyes on you, be it your coaches or the other players who are also looking at you, going, 'Is this guy good? Is he not?' You've got the people in the crowd with their phones on. You get exposed to a lot of stuff.'