Pietersen to work as a TV pundit for World T20

Axed England batsman Kevin Pietersen will work as a television pundit during next month’s World Twenty20, raising the prospect of him commenting on his estranged former team-mates, the event’s broadcaster said on Friday. The South Africa-born star was dropped from England’s Test side this month and not picked for the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka after sending “provocative” text messages allegedly criticising England Test captain Andrew Strauss. The ESPN-Star Sports network, the host broadcasters of the World Twenty20, said Pietersen, 32, will be part of its presentation and analysis team for the Sept.18-Oct.7 event. “We’re delighted that one of the biggest names is part of our team and look forward to hearing the insights of someone who knows the format and knows the current stars inside out,” ESPN-Star Sports managing director Peter Hutton said in a statement. The statement quoted Pietersen saying that he was “excited about working with ESPN-Star Sports (and) watching England defend their title.” He will also play a role in the publicity and promotion of the competition ahead of the tournament, the network added. From gulftoday