Kevin Pietersen agrees new England central contract after apology

Kevin Pietersen has agreed a new four-month England central contract but must undergo a “reintegration” period before he is reintroduced to the team, the ECB said on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old was dropped in August after admitting to sending “provocative” text messages to South Africa players during their tour of England this summer.

“It’s been a horrible situation for all those involved,” said Pietersen at a news conference on Wednesday. “I believe, all being well, I will be back.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to my team-mates, all England supporters and the ECB for the situation that has arisen over the last couple of months.

“Thankfully we have drawn a line under it and can move forward. Although it has been made clear in the statement, I’d like to make it clear that at no time did I share tactical information with any of the South Africans.”

An ECB statement released on Wednesday read: “Upon completion of the programme, the England Selectors will consider Kevin for future matches.

“Kevin Pietersen has apologised to Andrew Strauss and wishes to express to all those who support England his regrets at the impact the recent controversies have had on the England Team.

“He now wishes to put the events of the summer behind him and to focus on regaining his place in the England Team.

“With regards the issue of the BBM [Blackberry] messages, due to the fact that Kevin had not retained the BBM messages, this matter has been successfully concluded through a binding assurance provided to ECB by Kevin.

“Kevin conceded that the messages exchanged were provocative. ECB is satisfied, following receipt of this binding assurance, that to the best of his recollection, Kevin did not convey any messages which were derogatory about the England captain, the England team director, the ECB or employees of the ECB.

“Furthermore, there was no tactical information whatsoever provided to members of the South African Touring Party.”

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