KP wants England to replicate Big Bash League

Kevin Pietersen has had a significant impact on the KFC T20 Big Bash League this season, and it seems the Big Bash League has had just as big an effect on Kevin Pietersen.

The 34-year-old has been so impressed during his stint with Melbourne Stars that he's called on English cricket to adopt a BBL-style franchise system to rejuvenate the Twenty20 game in the UK.

Pietersen has headed home after the Stars were knocked out of the semi-finals on Saturday night, the fourth consecutive year they have lost in the semi-finals.

It drew to a close a memorable seven-week stint in Australia for the one-time Ashes villain, which was capped off by a stunning switch hit for six during his team-high 31 against the Scorchers on the weekend.

Pietersen's sensational switch hit

He started the competition in fine style when mic'd up in the opening match against Adelaide Strikers, slamming 66 from 46 balls including four sixes.

It was one of three half-centuries he made in the tournament, the best of which was a match-winning 67 from 42 balls against Sydney Thunder on a night where only one other batsman finished with a strike rate above 100.

Even Pietersen's mistakes created headlines for the right reasons; the simple catch he spilled in the Super Over against Sydney Sixers at the MCG was caught by his captain Cameron White on the rebound.

White cleans up after Pietersen's spill

Just as important as being a human highlight reel, Pietersen was consistent with the bat and left our shores as the competition's equal-highest run scorer with 293 from eight matches.

And he says the BBL's format has convinced him that the current structure of England's domestic T20 competition – one match a week on Fridays for three months played by 18 county sides – can be improved.

He has called for England to introduce a 10-team franchise-based competition to replicate the model that has been so successful in the Indian Premier League and the BBL.

He says one of the many advantages of a compacted franchise tournament is the increased ability of sides to lure high-profile international talent, which he said increases the skillset of local players. 

Pietersen turns it on in Melbourne derby

"I have played 104 Tests but I am still learning at the Big Bash from the Aussie players," Pietersen wrote in his column for the UK Telegraph.

"I have played against some of the best players in Australia over the last month and challenged myself.

"Whether you have played 100 Tests or none at all, these tournaments are academies for learning.

"Jason Roy of Surrey has just opened the batting with Jacques Kallis. Ben Stokes has been playing with Aaron Finch and James Pattinson.

"I know that will have made them better players and feel good about themselves.

"A guy like Roy can walk around and say he has opened with one of his heroes. He has had a great chance to pick the brains of one of the greatest players to play the game.

"These are the kind of opportunities franchise cricket throws up."

Pietersen says English cricket broadcasters can also learn a lot from Network TEN, who have enjoyed record ratings this season thanks largely to a commentary team that features Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Damien Fleming and Sir Vivian Richards.

Pietersen and fellow English import Andrew Flintoff have also joined the commentary box throughout the summer and have been two of a host of players to be mic'd up during matches, providing a unique insight for those watching at home.

One highlight of TEN's broadcast was an in-depth grilling Pietersen received from Ponting, when the South African-born batsman opened up about his sacking from the England team.

"Channel Ten have put on a great show through brilliant commentators ... They have had no agendas,” Pietersen added.

"Andrew Flintoff and myself have been mic'd up during games and being able to chat back has created a fun environment.

"There is a respect element too. When Ponting asks a question, the guys are happy to talk.

"It means the cricket fan sat on the sofa at home can see the ball and play the ball with the batter.

"He can hear what the bowler, batsman or keeper are saying.

"He can listen to the captain explaining his tactics; something which has worked brilliantly when George Bailey and (Aaron) Finch have been on the mic."

Mic'd up Pietersen punishes Strikers