KP's chance to shine again

International cricket takes a break for an extended period with the IPL due to begin on April 16.

We always say in jest that the IPL is cricket's best physiotherapist. There is a lot of urgency recovering from injury by players across the world to be able to take part in this lucrative tournament.

In order to receive full payment players have to be available to play. Being sidelined by injury can be costly. This tournament is no exception.

Cricket is a team sport, but the IPL is the closest to the game becoming an individual sport in a team framework.

Understandably players look at this event as an opportunity to enhance their financial position dramatically. Therefore they will do everything in their power to be available for selection and also to play well enough to be included in the different teams.

Due to the nature of the event and the fact that the players go back into an auction regularly they change teams frequently. It is difficult for a player or a team to bond as far as identity is concerned.

The fans also have to get used to the fact that they support a brand rather than individual players in a team framework.

One player among the bunch of superstars who will attract particular interest will be Kevin Pietersen. Pietersen is desperate to hang onto a portion of a high-profile playing career.

The fact that his international career has been prematurely curtailed determines that he needs the platform that the IPL offers to maintain an international profile.

He will be with the Delhi Daredevils during this tournament. The coaching staff there comprises Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons who know Pietersen well.

It is likely that Pietersen will be on his best behaviour. He is fast running out of options as far as a playing career is concerned.

The IPL is also contested over a relatively short period so the coaching staff and Delhi management will be hoping for an inform Kevin Pietersen without any controversy.

Will Pietersen miss traditional international cricket? That is a certainty. Will England miss Pietersen? They will miss his runs that is for sure. Will they miss the personality? Only time will tell.

A portion of this year's IPL will be contested outside of India. The first 20 matches will be played in the UAE. After that the tournament will be back in India as usual.

The six editions before this one were very successful. Such is the interest in this unique event in India that this edition will likely be as successfulas the other tournaments were over the last six seasons.