2 Mar 2015

England open door for Pietersen's return

8:34 am on 2 March 2015

The incoming England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves has left the door open for a return to the England side by the controversial former captain Kevin Pietersen.

Former England international cricketer Kevin Pietersen.

Former England international cricketer Kevin Pietersen. Photo: Photosport

But he says he must return to county cricket to help his cause.

Thirty-four year old Pietersen was sacked by England a year ago and later released by county side Surrey, and he appeared to have ruined any chance of returning to international cricket following the release of his controversial autobiography.

Pietersen berated a number of former team mates and England officials in his book, and the national selector James Whitaker had said there was no way Pietersen would ever get back into an England team.

But the new chairman Graves refuses to rule out Pietersen's return.

When asked if he would consider surrendering existing contracts in the Indian and Caribbean Premier Leagues Pietersen was non-committal.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.