Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has joined Sunfoil Dolphins
Tuesday 8 September 2015 15:50, UK
Kevin Pietersen has signed for the Sunfoil Dolphins for the upcoming T20 season in South Africa.
The news comes just 24 hours after Andrew Strauss, the ECB's director of cricket, said England had moved on from the decision not to recall the South African-born batsman and made it clear there was no way back for him.
England's record run-scorer in all formats was sacked after a 5-0 whitewash in the 2013-14 Ashes series and was told in May by former captain Strauss that he would not be considered for an international recall.
"I would love to play cricket for England again but for the moment that's a no-go," Pietersen said after he was unveiled by the Dolphins in South Africa.
The 35-year-old finished playing for Surrey in the County Championship in June, while the club won promotion to Division One earlier this month.
His last competitive action came in the Caribbean Premier League in June and July, where he made 295 runs in 10 innings for the St Lucia Zouks.
Pietersen, who left South Africa in 2001, will return to the province of his birth where he made his first-class debut aged 17, and play five games for the Durban-based side in their RAM Slam T20 campaign.
"It's very exciting to get back to Durban," Pietersen was quoted on the club's Twitter feed.
"It will be nice to share a dressing room with Zulu (Lance Klusener). There's a talented squad and I look forward to playing good, winning cricket.
"Every time I come back to SA is feels like a homecoming but at the same time its work; I'll try not think about the emotion too much.
"I'll be here towards the end of October for a few days preparation before the tournament."
Dolphins head coach Klusener added: "It's exciting to have someone like Kevin, who is winner, with us.
"He is here to lead our batting as well as work closely with our youngsters."
Pietersen spent part of his holiday with former South African test players Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, and Mark Boucher, and Smith's role as the Ram Slam's tournament director helped pave the way for Pietersen's move.
