Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has triggered an online debate after praising Mumbai’s air quality, calling it the “best” he has experienced. The 45-year-old former batter, popularly known as KP, is in Mumbai for IPL 2026 commentary duties and slammed some users who accused him of doing paid promotion.
Taking to X, Pietersen, highlighted the city’s improved Air Quality Index (AQI), which recently dipped to 40 due to favourable weather conditions, placing it in the “good” category. Since March 28, Mumbai’s AQI has remained below 50, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
“The air quality in Mumbai is so good. It’s the best I’ve ever experienced! Congrats to the leadership for putting in place the necessary measures,” he wrote.
However, Pietersen’s post drew mixed reactions online, with some users questioning his claim and alleging it was a paid promotion.
“Is this sarcasm? I love Mumbai but there needs to be a lot of improvement in AQI,” one user wrote.
Another commented, “It’s not because of leadership, it’s because of the western disturbance and sea breeze that’s keeping the AQI low. Thank nature.”
One user bluntly asked how much he had been paid to post such views.
“How much money have you been paid to post this s***, Kevin. Shocking opinion,” a user wrote, while posting a screenshot showing Mumbai’s AQI as 109.
Pietersen hit back strongly, dismissing the allegations.
“You think I get paid to post about air quality? Are you f*****g mad?! When something stands out to me, I’ll tweet it! And that number is incorrect—it’s around 40 today, which is fantastic!” he responded.
In a lighter post, he said, “An hour in the sun, no sunscreen and I’ve been hammered. This is how I know the cleanliness of the air is excellent!” The post had a picture of Pietersen’s sun-tanned look.
Nevertheless, several users praised Pietersen for pointing out the clean air in Mumbai.
“Yes, under 50 is amazing especially when it’s not raining,” a user wrote.
“Good to hear this from someone who’s travelled the world. When visitors genuinely notice these improvements, it says a lot. Clean air in big cities should never feel impossible, hopefully this only gets better from here,” another user said.
“Finally, someone appreciated the air quality of an Indian city, it’s really heartening to hear from you KP,” a third user said.
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