MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Kevin Pietersen of the Stars walks off after being dismissed by Chris Green of the Thunder during the Big Bash League final match between Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Thunder at Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 24, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)
Melbourne Stars' Kevin Pietersen is expected to miss the opening game of the Big Bash season as he plans to spend Christmas with his family back in England.
The Age's Daniel Cherny recently tweeted the news, saying that Pietersen would miss Melbourne's match against Hobart on December 26 due to family reasons.
It's the second year in succession that Pietersen has missed a Big Bash League game in favour for returning back home, but the Englishman is expected to be available for Melbourne's second game of the season against the Melbourne Renegades on January 1.