Kevin Pietersen shocks England to return as specialist white-ball mentor

Kevin Pietersen is set to make a surprise return to the England set-up, with the former captain appointed as an expert mentor for the men’s white-ball teams ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Pietersen, who played his last international for England in 2014, will join Brendon McCullum’s coaching staff and work with the team over the next 12 months as they prepare for the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“I am extremely proud to have been asked to help this team on their way to victory at the World Cup in South Africa. To pull on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honor and a deeply special moment.”

“We have an incredibly talented white ball squad and I’m excited to get into the trenches and work tirelessly hard with these players to maximize their potential. Being part of Brendon’s think tank over the next 12 months is a fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

McCullum welcomed Pietersen’s appointment and said his experience would be particularly valuable to England’s batsmen.

“I have enormous respect for KP and what he has achieved in the game. He has had a tremendous impact on English cricket so for someone of his experience, knowledge and stature to want to play a role in this team is a fantastic result.

“I’m especially excited that our batsmen will 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 extremely 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.”

Pietersen will be part of McCullum’s support team alongside Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Sarah Taylor and Jeetan Patel.

His first task will be England’s white-ball tour of Australia, followed by their trip to South Africa. He will then work with the team during the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand as England prepare for the 2027 World Cup.

Pietersen previously worked as a mentor with IPL franchise Delhi Capitals and worked briefly with the England pacers during their ODI series in South Africa in early 2023.

The former England captain has largely worked as a broadcaster since ending his playing career in 2018. During their tour of India in early 2025, he criticized McCullum’s England environment, with McCullum later calling his comments “factually incorrect”.

Pietersen’s appointment marks his return to the England national team 12 years after his international playing career ended in controversial fashion.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

07 Sep 2026 16:12 IST