![\"\u2018IPL](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130855574,imgsize-189244,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/ahmedabad-apr-30-ani-royal-challengers-bengaluru39s-virat-kohli-and-jacob-bet.jpg\" "\\"Royal")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFormer England captain Alastair Cook<\/a> has responded to criticism from ex-teammate Kevin Pietersen<\/a> over his remarks on Jacob Bethell<\/a>, after suggesting the youngster should consider leaving the Indian Premier League 2026 midway to play County cricket due to limited opportunities.The debate began when Pietersen strongly disagreed with Cook\u2019s view, arguing that being around top-level players in the IPL itself is invaluable. He also questioned Cook\u2019s understanding of the tournament environment, urging Bethell to stay back in India despite not featuring regularly.Cook has now revisited the discussion on the Stick to Cricket podcast, striking a measured tone while standing by his original point. He maintained that his comments were based on Bethell\u2019s lack of game time and noted that circumstances have slightly changed since then, with the youngster getting opportunities as an impact player.\u201cI just gave my opinion. I can justify that at the time he wasn\u2019t playing, and he didn\u2019t play (much) last year either. So, he had that benefit of doing once or twice. In my opinion, he has done a bit of that. Ironically, since all that came out, he has now played a bit,” Cook said on Stick to Cricket podcast.Expanding further, Cook highlighted what he believes is an underlying reality around the league. While acknowledging the IPL\u2019s stature, he suggested that players are unlikely to criticise the competition publicly due to its financial pull and professional implications.\u201cI get the other argument of learning but there\u2019s got to be a stage where you have to play. You can\u2019t just learn from them. I know the IPL is a great tournament, but no one is ever publicly going to say that IPL is not the place to be,” he said.Cook added that while he respects both sides of the argument, contractual commitments and career considerations often influence public opinions about the league.\u201cI actually understand both arguments like he has signed the contract, (so) I\u2019m going to honour my contract. Now, I don\u2019t know what the IPL is like quite clearly, but you hear some of the little undercurrents like it\u2019s not quite as good as everyone thinks it is. I\u2019m not slagging off the IPL \u2013 no one ever is going to say it\u2019s terrible because they don\u2019t want to upset their bosses because they want another contract. I actually feel two opinions can be right,” he added. <\/div>\n