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KP calls time on Big Bash, says end is near

Kevin Pietersen confirms he won't re-sign with the Melbourne Stars in BBL|08, saying this season will be his last

Kevin Pietersen has confirmed the current KFC Big Bash League will be his last following the Melbourne Stars’ six-wicket defeat to the Renegades in the MCG derby.

The 37-year-old also stated his playing career will be over by the end of this year.

Pietersen posted his best knock of BBL|07 to date on Saturday night, scoring a 30-ball 40 in the Stars’ first-innings total of 4-157.

KP posts 40 for Stars in Melbourne derby

After play, he confirmed to reporters that he would not be returning in BBL|08.

"I'm done and dusted, playing days," he said.

"You get to that time in your career when you think 'do I want this?'

"I want it desperately at the moment ... but I don't think I will want it in 10 months' time.

"I just don't see myself wanting to play cricket in December."

Pietersen said he would honour playing commitments with the Pakistan Super League and in South Africa, but that would be it.

Pietersen forecast the decision before the start of the season, admitting to cricket.com.au that his energy to keep playing was "dwindling".

"I am definitely coming to the end of my playing time," Pietersen told cricket.com.au. "So I am definitely going to enjoy the last few digs.

"It's fairly close.

"It's the practice that you look at and you just think, 'do I want to do it?'

"I've still got the energy at the moment but it's dwindling."

Stars players on what KP is like in sheds

Pietersen said on Saturday night he wants to stay involved with the Stars.

"This franchise has been so good for me at the end of my career," he said.

"I've loved every single day I've been in Melbourne.

"I love Melbourne and I've actually really grown to love Australia and have a really good rapport with a lot of the Australian public.

"So to have some sort of involvement in the Stars going forward, because of how much I love this club, would be something of immense value to me."

Pietersen was struck on the ankle while batting at the MCG on Saturday night and while he continued batting, he took no part in the Stars' fielding innings, later saying it was a precautionary measure.

KP talks about his ankle injury on mic

Since being controversially banished from the England Test side following their 2013-14 Ashes whitewash, the 37-year-old has become one of the most sought-after T20 players in domestic leagues around the world.

Pietersen has been the leading run-scorer for Melbourne Stars in each of his three seasons with the BBL club, though a maiden title remains elusive for the MCG-based side despite being a consistent presence in the finals since the tournament's inception.

In January last year, the Stars announced that Pietersen had signed a contract that tied him to the club until the end of this BBL season.

Match Highlights: Renegades smash Stars in Derby

The dynamic batsman pulled out of this year's edition of the Indian Premier League ahead of the auction, while he played his final match in the United Kingdom in July after signing off with a two-game stint with Surrey.

He has been retained by his Pakistan Super League side Quetta Gladiators following last month’s draft, and is set to take part in that event.

"I’m coming to the end of my career," said the former England captain.

"My career is not going to be defined on how I play in the Big Bash.

"My career has already been defined by all my ups and downs though a long career.

"It’s my job to come here and help others, help the youngsters, be a good influence, be a positive influence on the team.

"That’s what I’ve done for three or four years."

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