Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has launched a scathing attack on former England captain Kevin Pietersen for criticizing Alastair Cook over young batsman Jacob Bethel and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The debate began after Cook suggested that he should make an early exit from the IPL and return to county cricket in order to gain valuable competitive training ahead of England’s home summer.
Bethel, who was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore during IPL 2026, was sidelined for most of the first half of the tournament despite being considered one of England’s brightest young batting talents.
Speaking on The Fast Bowling Cartel podcast alongside Australian greats Glenn McGrath and Damien Fleming, Gillespie mocked Pietersen’s reaction to Cook’s comment.
“Sir Alastair Cook’s nerve suggests something like that,” Gillespie quipped.
He criticized Pietersen for dismissing Cook’s comments on the grounds that the former England captain had never played in the IPL.
“KP has gone off the deep end and Sir Alastair Cook’s opinion doesn’t matter because he hasn’t attended the IPL and doesn’t know,” Gillespie said.
The former Australian fast bowler backed Cook’s stance, arguing that the concern was justified given Bethel’s lack of playing opportunities in the tournament.
“I think Sir Alastair Cook has a valid point, but the way KP attacked him for having an absolutely opinion – give me a spell boys. Absolute nonsense,” he added.
Gillespie later intensified his criticism, while mocking Pietersen’s claims that he helped players prioritize franchise cricket.
“He reckons he’ll have played 150 Tests or more. He’s the one who paved the way. Thank you, Kevin, the stars above, the sun, the moon, the earth we walk on and the air we breathe. It’s your money, Kev. Give me a break, Mabbey,” Gillespie concluded.
Earlier, Cook argued that while the IPL provides a world-class learning environment, young players need consistent game time to help them develop.
However, Pietersen strongly disagreed, insisting that being a part of the IPL organization offers enormous value to budding cricketers.