Discarded England star Kevin Pietersen has joined Big Bash side Melbourne Stars on a two-year deal, as he will participate in Australia’s premier T20 competition – Big Bash.
The 34-year-old Surrey batsman has replaced Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Lasith Malinga. Malinga will skip this competition because of preparations for the World Cup next year in Australia.
The Big Bash is scheduled from from 18 December 2014 to 28 January 2015. Meanwhile, the World Cup starts on 15 March, 2015.
England’s current team-management has already made decision not to select him after last winter’s 5-0 drubbing in Ashes. Kevin Pietersen has decided to play as a T20 specialist.
In this year’s IPL Kevin Pietersen captained the Delhi Daredevils and has helped Surrey reach the T20 quarter-finals.
He is all set to play for St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League, next month.
Pietersen said: “Joining the Melbourne Stars was an easy choice for me when you look at the players we have and the amazing off-field support staff, and don’t forget our home ground, the MCG.”
Pietersen, who has made it clear that he would “love to play for England again”, is the Stars’ biggest signing since the retirement of Shane Warne.
Popularly known as KP, he will play alongside Australian international and skipper Cameron White, David Hussey and former England team-mate Luke Wright.
Stars’ captain Cameron White said: “He’s a tremendous addition and will fit in really well.”