Kevin Pietersen signs to play T20s for South African side Sunfoil Dolphins
South Africa-born England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has signed to play for Durban-based Sunfoil Dolphins in their Ram Slam T20, campaign, according to ESPNcricinfo. Though the maverick batsman has played for the team earlier for a short term period, it will be the first time he will don the team’s jersey in T20 matches.
Pietersen has not played for England since the 2013-14 Ashes series Down Under which his side lost 5-0. His chances for a comeback look really bleak with ECB Director of England cricket recently reiterating his earlier stance that the 35-year-old would not be picked for the national team as the team had “moved on” especially on the back of the successful 2015 Ashes campaign.
Pietersen’s fans though will be happy that they can see the batsman in action at least in domestic competitions. He played two first-class matches in October 2010 for the Dolphins, the name used by the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) cricket team when it plays its matches in South Africa’ s domestic competitions, including the T20 competition.
Pietersen, who was brought up in KZN before emigrating to England in 2001 after finishing his studies at Maritzburg College, expressed his delight at returning to his roots.
"I'm very excited to return to Durban in a few weeks' time and contribute towards the Sunfoil Dolphins' cause," Pietersen said. "Having grown up in KZN it is obviously a place that means something quite special to me and to have the opportunity to play there again is something I'm really looking forward to."
"The Ram Slam T20 looks to be an exciting tournament and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the action for the first time this summer. The Dolphins have some talented individuals and hopefully I can contribute towards the team's success during my time with them," Pietersen added.
The Sunfoil Dolphins team management had been building up to the announcement in a grand manner without revealing the identity of their new signing. They engaged in a guessing game with their fans on Twitter before making the big announcement.
Speaking after the unveiling, Dolphins coach Lance Klusener expressed his delight at securig the services of one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket today.
"It's very exciting to have a player of Kevin's ability join us for a portion of the Ram Slam T20 tournament," Klusener said. "We've won the tournament before and hopefully his presence will aid in us challenging for the title once more."