Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has been released from the majority of his Indian Premier League contract, in order to return to county cricket in a bid to return to the national team.
The 34-year-old initially signed for Sunrises Hyderabad for the season, but it is reported the franchise has agreed to release him for the league phase. Nevertheless, he will have the option to return for the knock-out phase between May 19 and May 24.
Pietersen’s expected return to England follows the news of England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves’ suggestion the South-African born cricketer could return to the international fold. However, Graves announced he must return to county cricket, and impress with his form, to be in with a possibility of selection.
He is now expected to re-join Surrey for the 2015 season, the club he initially joined in 2010 before going abroad.
With 104 Test caps currently to his name, Pietersen said: “I'm hugely grateful for all the support and understanding I’ve received from everyone at the Sunrisers and the IPL.
“My focus is now very much on the upcoming season in England and I'm absolutely determined to score as many runs as possible.
“I’ve never made any secret of my overwhelming desire to once again represent England and I'm going to do everything in my power to earn a recall to the international set-up.
“To once again put on that England shirt would be a privilege and an honour, but now I have to focus on performing domestically and give myself the best possible chance of meriting selection.”
The right-handed batsman made his Test debut against Australia in May 2005.