Kevin Pietersen makes surprise return to England setup as he’s named ‘specialist mentor’ for World Cup build-up
Kevin Pietersen has joined England’s coaching staff on a white-ball consultancy building up to next year’s World Cup.
Pietersen, 46, will work with the limited-overs teams as a specialist mentor, supporting head coach Brendon McCullum. He will start work next week when Harry Brook’s side begins their twin series matches against Sri Lanka to end the English summer.
Regular coaching personnel Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor remain in their positions.
A T20 World Cup winner in 2010, Pietersen will also be involved in tours to Australia and South Africa this winter and then return for next summer’s series with Pakistan and New Zealand, which will prepare England for the 50-over World Cup in southern Africa next autumn.
Kevin Pietersen is set to return to England in a mentor role
Pietersen said: ‘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.’
The surprise move comes a year after Pietersen held a similar role with Delhi in the Indian Premier League. Delhi finished fifth in the table but Pietersen did not return for 2026 citing a busy schedule.
More to follow.