“I’m going to do everything in my power to earn a recall to the international set-up”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen will miss the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in order to play a full season of county cricket.

Pietersen was released from his contract with the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the league phase of the tournament.

However, he could be called up for the knock-out phase, which begins on May 19.

Pietersen is expected to re-join Surrey after incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves told him that he has a chance to resurrect his international career.

“I’m hugely grateful for all the support and understanding I’ve received from everyone at the Sunrisers and the IPL,” Pietersen said. “My focus is now very much on the upcoming season in England and I’m absolutely determined to score as many runs as possible.

“I’ve never made any secret of my overwhelming desire to once again represent England and I’m going to do everything in my power to earn a recall to the international set-up.

“To once again put on that England shirt would be a privilege and an honour, but now I have to focus on performing domestically and give myself the best possible chance of meriting selection.”