Kevin Pietersen: England appoint former captain as specialist mentor for white-ball teams
Kevin Pietersen will form part of England's coaching setup at the 2027 Cricket World Cup in October and November next year; the former Ashes and T20 World Cup winner said: "Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment"
Monday 7 September 2026 15:11, UK
Kevin Pietersen is to join the England men's white-ball teams as a specialist mentor in the build-up to next year's Cricket World Cup in Africa.
Pietersen will join head coach Brendon McCullum's white-ball setup for the T20 international and ODI series' against Sri Lanka later this month, part of a coaching team that also includes Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor.
The former England captain said of his appointment: "I'm immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa.
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"Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment.
"We have an incredibly talented white-ball squad, and I am excited to get in the trenches and work relentlessly hard with these players to maximise their potential.
"To be a part of Brendon's think tank over the next 12 months is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait to get started."
McCullum said: "I've got immense respect for KP and what he's achieved in the game. He's had an amazing impact on English cricket, so for someone with his experience, knowledge and stature to want to play a role with this team is a fantastic result.
"I'm particularly excited for our batters to 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 hugely 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 involved in England's winter's white-ball tours to Australia and South Africa, before joining up with the teams again for the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand next summer, as well as the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The former Ashes and T20 World Cup winner played 136 ODIs and 37 T20 matches for England, scoring more than 5,500 runs, adding another 8,181 runs across his 104 Test match appearances.
Pietersen has previously worked as a mentor for Delhi Capitals during the 2025 Indian Premier League.
England fast bowler Jofra Archer, speaking on Monday ahead of England's third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, was in favour of the appointment.
"He's a legend of the game," Archer said "It will be great to have him around the group."
KP's history with England - good and bad - makes this a fascinating appointment
Sky Sports' David Currie:
As Pietersen said himself in his statement, he's back donning the England uniform in a surprise move that I don't think many had seen coming, 12 years after his international career ended.
This, a player who once seemed a lost cause with regards to any potential reconciliation with the England hierarchy, and one who has been critical in the past of Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' leadership, specifically.
But, though polarising he may be, there is no questioning Pietersen the cricketer in terms of pure talent. And England's next generation of white-ball stars are set to be the beneficiaries of his wisdom.
He was ahead of his time, playing the sort of extravagant, innovative cricket that is practically ever-present in the modern franchise era that was just starting to take hold during his career and somewhat accelerated its end.
His England career was never straightforward. He resigned as captain after only five months in 2008 following a breakdown in his relationship with then head coach Peter Moores, he was dropped during the 2012 Test series against South Africa series after sending text messages to the opposition, while dressing-room divisions during the 2013-14 Ashes as England were whitewashed 5-0 in Australia proved the final straw.
That history only serves to make this appointment all the more fascinating.
Trott appointed England Lions coach for Sri Lanka series
Jonathan Trott has been appointed head coach for England Lions' two-match T20 series against Sri Lanka this week, with a coaching staff of Troy Cooley, Graeme Swann, Ravi Bopara and Carl Hopkinson.
The England Lions selectors have selected a strong 20-player squad.
The extended squad includes seven players named in the England Men white-ball squads to play Sri Lanka later this month. Tom Banton, James Coles, Aneurin Donald, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton and Saqib Mahmood are included from the T20 squad, with Henry Crocombe drafted in from the ODI squad.
Former England batter most recently served as Afghanistan head coach, stepping down after the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
The 45-year-old has since taken up a short-term role with Ireland's men's side as a consultant for their series against his former employers.
He has made a notable impression in his relatively short coaching career, leading Afghanistan to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Watch England's third Test against Pakistan, from Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am on Wednesday September 9 (11am first ball). Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW.
