London, 07 September (H.S.): Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has been appointed specialist mentor to England’s men’s limited-overs team through the 2027 ODI World Cup. His first assignment will be the team’s limited-overs tour of Australia, followed by a tour of South Africa.

Pietersen will subsequently work with the team during the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand. Over the next 12 months, he will be involved in the team’s preparations for the World Cup. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, with Zimbabwe and Namibia serving as co-hosts. South Africa is also Pietersen’s birthplace.

Pietersen will join head coach Brendon McCullum’s coaching staff, which also includes Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Sarah Taylor and Jeetan Patel. Pietersen has previously served as a mentor with Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals.

Speaking through the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Pietersen said, “I am incredibly proud to have been asked to help this team on the journey to winning the World Cup in South Africa. Wearing the England shirt for the first time since 2014 is a huge honour and an incredibly special moment for me.”

He added, “We have an extremely talented limited-overs team, and I am excited to work hard with the players and help maximise their potential. Being part of Brendon’s strategic team for the next 12 months is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait to get started.”

Head coach McCullum welcomed Pietersen, saying, “I have huge respect for KP and am a massive admirer of what he has achieved in cricket. His impact on England cricket has been tremendous. To have someone of his experience, knowledge and stature wanting to take on a role with this team is fantastic for us.”

He added, “I am particularly excited about the opportunity for our batters to work with him. KP has a unique understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest level, and that will be extremely valuable for our players. We have always had mutual respect for each other and appreciated each other’s contributions to the game. So, I am incredibly excited to work with him.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar