Pietersen returns England white-ball mentor

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has been appointed as a specialist mentor for the national team's white-ball setup, focusing on the build-up to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The 46-year-old will begin his consultancy role next week, commencing with England's upcoming T20 and one-day international series against Sri Lanka. Pietersen's appointment marks a significant return to the England setup, where he last represented the country in 2014. He will work alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, supporting the limited-overs squads. His responsibilities will extend beyond the Sri Lanka series, including involvement in winter tours to Australia and South Africa. He is also scheduled to rejoin the team for home series against Pakistan and New Zealand next summer, all in preparation for the 50-over World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in the autumn of 2027. "Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment," Pietersen stated. "We have an incredibly talented whiteball squad, and I am excited to get in the trenches and work relentlessly hard with these players to maximise their potential.