Endland duty more important than IPL: Pietersen

London, Feb 29 (UNI) Middle-order batsman Kevin Pietersen has rejected the riches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in favour of playing for his country.

''There's no way in this world I'd turn my back on England,'' I know there is interest and, yes, there have been offers, etc etc, but it's not something I'm particularly interested in,'' Pietersen said. ''I love playing for England and there will be nothing that will lure me away from England just yet.'' The 27-year-old right-hand batsman firmly put his commitment to England above financial considerations.

''Money's not really too important, it's not as if I need money right now. I'm really enjoying doing what I'm doing,'' he stated. ''I love playing for England, I love playing for the spectators. England has given me a fantastic opportunity to a fantastic life at the moment.

''So I'm fully committed 100 per cent to playing for England, to winning games for England, to scoring thousands more runs for England.'' UNI XC AB ND1823