Former England captain Kevin Pietersen remains one of the most active cricketing celebrities on social media. His posts on India, the country’s development, and cricket often become talking points online. On Tuesday, Pietersen was left fuming after a fan asked how much money he was paid to speak highly of Mumbai’s air quality, which has faced constant scrutiny over the last few months. “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 to achieve this outstanding air quality,” Pietersen’s post read.
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 to achieve this outstanding air quality.
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 31, 2026
However, many fans were unhappy with the retired England cricketer’s post, with some even interpreting it as sarcasm.
“Is this sarcasm? I love Mumbai, but there needs to be a lot of improvement in the AQI,” one user wrote.
When another user shared a screenshot showing Mumbai’s AQI at 109 and asked, “How much money have you been paid to post this s***, Kevin? Shocking opinion,” Pietersen lost his cool.
“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 wrote in reply.
You think I get paid to post about air quality? Are you f*****g mad?!
When I notice something and it really stands out and it means something to me, I’ll tweet it! Plus – that number is incorrect. It’s around 40 today which is fantastic! https://t.co/KRmAZFvdrX
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 31, 2026
Not long after, the Englishman shared another post on social media, writing: “An hour in the sun, no sunscreen, and I’ve been hammered. This is how I know the cleanliness of the air is excellent!”
An hour in the sun, no sunscreen and I’ve been hammered. This is how I know the cleanliness of the air is excellent!
Ouch! pic.twitter.com/0no3mCYiid
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 31, 2026
Air pollution has become an unending problem in India, with several cities across the country struggling to deal with the issue.