Cricket star Pietersen shuns Jaguar in favour of 4x4

England cricket star Kevin Pietersen has caused a stir by refusing to drive a Jaguar while on international duty.

According to Mail Online, the flamboyant batsman's desire to be different from his team-mates is so strong that he was prepared to break the terms of an exclusive seven-figure supply contract with the luxury manufacturer.

The deal between the English Cricket Association and Jaguar, brokered by the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA), was struck to ensure that all centrally-contracted players would driver Jaguar vehicles whilst on England international duty.

Pietersen is the only player in the centrally-contracted group to reject the terms of the agreement. This is sure to frustrate Jaguar, as 'KP' is seen as a cricketing equivalent of David Beckham in terms of marketing power.

The iconic British brand would have hoped to generate sales through affluent fans spotting 'KP' in one of their cars and thinking "I'm going to sell my Ferrari and buy a Jaguar instead."

Pietersen's decision to shun Jaguar was made clear when he rolled into the player's car park earlier this week behind the wheel of a Range Rover Sport. The 4x4 was parked alongside a row of Jaguars and looked somewhat out of place.

Reacting to the news, a PCA official told Mail Online: "It was a big surprise for Jaguar that KP didn't want a car."

"But he's in a different financial situation to the rest of the squad," the PCA spokesperson added.

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