Pietersen set for CPL appearance

Kingston (Jamaica), March 31 (IANS/CMC) Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen is set to showcase his talent in this year's Caribbean Premier League, after signing up for next month's draft.

Pietersen was discarded by England following the disastrous Ashes tour earlier this year and will now ply his trade in the Caribbean following his Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign for Delhi Daredevils and English county appearances for Surrey, reports CMC.

"I'm delighted to be involved in this year's Limacol Caribbean Premier League. As soon as I was approached, I knew it was something I wanted to take part in," said Pietersen.

"I have fantastic memories of playing T20 cricket in the Caribbean -- especially when we won the 2010 ICC World T20 tournament -- so I can't wait to play in front of the magnificent Caribbean fans who create a truly unique and thrilling atmosphere."

The 33-year-old South Africa-born right-hander is considered one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket.

He is England's all-time run-scorer in Tests with 8181 runs from 104 matches and averages nearly 38 in T20 Internationals at a strike rate of 140.

He will have fond memories of the Caribbean, having been named Man-of-the-Series following England's triumph in the 2010 Twenty20 World Cup.

"This is great news for the CPL and our fans. Kevin's inclusion in the draft is a real statement of intent about how we want to grow the competition year on year, and demonstrates just how far we have come in a short period of time," Damien O'Donohoe, CPL chief executive said.

"He's a born entertainer so the fans will love watching him play, and our younger players will get the opportunity to learn from his vast experience."

The CPL draft is set for Thursday here at the Triple Century Bar, which is owned by West Indies batting star Chris Gayle.

Six franchises -- defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Lucia Zouks, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents - are expected to do battle in this year's campaign which bowls off in July.

--IANS/CMC

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