Former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie criticized England’s ex-captain Kevin Pietersen for his reaction to Alastair Cook’s suggestion that Jacob Bethell should leave the IPL to play County Cricket.
The discussion started when Cook recommended Bethell return early from the IPL to get match practice ahead of England’s summer season.
Bethell, a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026, had spent much of the tournament on the bench, despite being seen as a promising young talent for England.
On a podcast with Australian legends Glenn McGrath and Damien Fleming, Gillespie took issue with Pietersen’s criticism of Cook and sarcastically questioned his response.
“The nerve of Sir Alastair Cook to suggest something like that,” Gillespie said during The Fast Bowling Cartel podcast.
“KP has gone off the deep end and stated that Sir Alastair Cook’s opinion doesn’t matter because he’s never been to the IPL and wouldn’t know,” he added.
Gillespie supported Cook’s viewpoint, stating that Cook raised a valid concern about Bethell not getting enough chances in the tournament.
“I think Sir Alastair Cook had a valid point, but the way KP absolutely hammered him for having an opinion – it’s just nonsense,” Gillespie said.
Gillespie then extended his criticism, mocking Pietersen’s claims about prioritizing franchise cricket over Tests.
“He claims he could have played 150 Tests or more and that he paved the way. Thanks, Kevin, for everything, but it was really about the money for you. Give me a break,” Gillespie concluded.
Watch the clip here –