'Just need to clear something up': Pietersen on why he didn't travel to Pakistan

NewsSports NewsCricket News'Just need to clear something up': Kevin Pietersen on why he didn't travel to Pakistan with England cricket team 'Just need to clear something up': Kevin Pietersen on why he didn't travel to Pakistan with England cricket team Edited by Jyotirmoy Halder / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Oct 31, 2026, 18:55 IST Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has explained why he was absent from England latest white-ball assignment in Pakistan, clarifying that his role with the national team is that of a consultant rather than a full-time employee.His absence had attracted attention after he was spotted in Delhi attending the India Championship golf tournament while England were playing in Pakistan.Pietersen, who joined England's white-ball coaching setup earlier this year as a specialist mentor, said his responsibilities do not require him to travel with the team for every series or tournament.

Watch Devdutt Padikkal Interview: India's No.3 opens up on Perth, Sri Lanka and preps for New Zealand Taking to X on Saturday, Pietersen addressed the questions surrounding his absence and explained his position within the England setup.“Just need to clear something up once and for all.

I am a consultant to the England Cricket Team," Pietersen tweeted on Saturday afternoon.He also clarified that he is not a permanent employee of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and will not accompany the team on every assignment over the coming year.Join conversation Pietersen was appointed as a mentor for England's white-ball teams, with his contract running until the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

He is part of a coaching group that includes Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor, with Brendon McCullum serving as the white-ball head coach.The former England batter returned to the national setup around 12 years after his international career ended following the 2013-14 Ashes series.

His first assignment as a mentor came during England's white-ball series against Sri Lanka earlier this year. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Jyotirmoy Halder is a journalist and sports writer at TOI (digital), with a post-graduation in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi.

A passionate follower of sports since childhood, he has covered everything from mainstream to niche disciplines. His career began in 2018 with SportsKeeda, followed by roles at Fansided and Get Football, where he primarily covered European football.

Experienced in digital storytelling, data analysis, and athlete interviews, Jyotirmoy now works as a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India's sports team. Rahul Gandhi Invites People For Ramlila Maidan March, Delhi Police Say No Permission Sought ‘Rahul Refused, You Are Last Hope’: Delhi Traders Turn To Congress Allies Over Nov 1 Rally AAP First List For Punjab Polls: CM Mann To Defend Dhuri, Jailed Minister Sanjeev Arora Gets Ticket Abhijeet Dipke Apologises To Diljit Dosanjh After Punjabi Singer Slams CJP Over Satluj Mockery ISRO Launches NVS-03 Satellite To Boost India's NavIC System, PM Modi Congratulates Scientists 'Selective': India Flags Politicisation Of UNHRC, Says ‘Credibility Rests On Even-Handedness’ They Want Ruckus, Not Debate: Amit Shah’s Big Challenge To INDIA Bloc Over Vote Theft, CEC, SIR Row Madras HC Issues Notice To Saurav Das Over Nationality PIL; Ashutosh Ranka, Prashant Bhushan React