- His first assignment will come during England's upcoming series.
- The appointment sees a remarkable return for Pietersen.
- He was most recently involved with Delhi Capitals.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen is set to make a surprise return to the England cricket setup after 12 years, with the former batter appointed as a specialist mentor for the national team's white-ball side.
Pietersen will join Brendon McCullum's coaching setup as England begin their preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
His first task will be during England’s upcoming Vitality IT20 and Metro Bank ODI series against Sri Lanka later this month.
ALSO READ: ICC Takes Action Against Pakistan Captain Over 'Send Off' During India Clash At Women's Asia Cup
The appointment marks a spectacular comeback for Pietersen, who last played for England in 2014.
His international career came to an abrupt end following a very public spat with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that ended his association with the national team on a controversial note.
Kevin Pietersen Excited For England Return
Speaking after being appointed as England's specialist mentor, Pietersen expressed his pride at being given another opportunity to work with the national side.
"I am immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa," Pietersen said.
"Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment."
Pietersen To Join McCullum's Think Tank
Pietersen also revealed his excitement at becoming part of McCullum's coaching group and working with England's current generation of white-ball stars.
"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," he added.
"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."
Pietersen brings considerable experience of playing and working in high-pressure environments.
He was most recently involved with Delhi Capitals as a mentor during the 2025 Indian Premier League, giving him further experience of working with players in a franchise setup.
From ECB Fallout To England Comeback
The fact that Pietersen is back is very significant considering how he left international cricket.
He was among the greats during his time playing for England. In all, he scored more than 13,000 international runs in Tests, ODIs, and T20s. He was also a key member of the England team that won the T20 World Cup in 2010.
ALSO READ: PCB Starts 'Disciplinary Inquiry' Into Pakistan Players Amid England Tour Turmoil
However, his relationship with the ECB declined after the Ashes series of 2013-14, and he was eventually removed from the England plans in 2014.
Over a decade later, he is back with England again, this time in a mentoring capacity.
His appointment is a significant addition to the white-ball team under McCullum as they prepare for the World Cup in 2027.