Kevin Pietersen returns to England as Specialist Mentor to white-ball sides

Legendary cricketer Kevin Pietersen has joined England men's white-ball teams as a Specialist Mentor as they prepare for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027 which will be played in Africa. 

Pietersen will start his journey with the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka to return to the English team, this time as a member of the Brendon McCullum-led backroom staff that also has Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor.

“I am immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa. Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment. We have an incredibly talented white-ball squad, and I am excited to get in the trenches and work relentlessly hard with these players to maximise their potential.

"To be a part of Brendon’s think tank over the next 12 months is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait to get started," Pietersen said in an official statement upon his appointment.

Meanwhile, McCullum also shared his excitement upon Pietersen's union with the English cricket team once again. The head coach has said he is looking forward to sharing the dressing room with the former England batter.

“I’ve got immense respect for KP and what he’s achieved in the game. He’s had an amazing impact on English cricket, so for someone with his experience, knowledge and stature to want to play a role with this team is a fantastic result.

“I’m particularly excited for our batters to get the opportunity to work with him. KP has a unique understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest level, which will be hugely valuable to our players. We’ve always respected each other and had a strong appreciation for what the other brings to the game, so I’m really looking forward to working together,” McCullum said.

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