KP set for one-off T20 in English summer

Twenty20 superstar Kevin Pietersen is set to make a one-off appearance in the English summer after being named as one of the key attractions for a Cricket United charity match.

The match, to be held at The Oval on 22 September, will be Pietersen’s only appearance in England this year after opting to sit out the current season of the domestic T20 competition.

Former England stars Michael Vaughan and Mark Butcher have been locked in as coaches of the teams, a Surrey All-Stars XI and a Cricket United XI, while current ODI opener Jason Roy will also feature in the action. The remaining players will be revealed in the coming weeks.

“Cricket United is a fantastic cause and the Kia Oval is one of my favourite grounds in the world, so I couldn’t be happier to be playing there on September 22nd,” Pietersen said.

“I’m sure there will be a big crowd and I look forward to finding out who else will be playing!”

Cricket United consists of three cricket charities – Lord’s Taverners, Chance to Shine and the PCA Benevolent Fund – and the Surrey Cricket Club has also confirmed the KP24 Foundation will be among other charities to receive a percentage of funds raised on the day.

Pietersen is again set to play a key role for the Melbourne Stars after signing a new two-year deal in January.

The 36-year-old plundered 323 runs at a strike rate of 159.11 last season as the Stars fell short in the final against the Sydney Thunder.