Flamboyant England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been signed up to play in a charity cricket match for Cricket United at the Oval. The 36-year-old will make his only appearance on English soil in this year during September 22.
Surrey All Stars XI and Cricket United XI are the two teams which would take part in the fixture. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan will coach the Surrey team while compatriot Mark Butcher has been assigned to guide the United side.
Eager to show his support for the noble initiative, a delighted Pietersen affirmed, “Cricket United is a fantastic cause and the Kia Oval is one of my favorite grounds in the world. So, I couldn't be happier to be playing there.”
While current England limited-overs opener Jason Roy will also participate in the game, the right-hander has also implored the British public to come in droves and fill up the stadium.
Also Read: Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss appear to bury the hatchet during celebrity golf event
Pietersen enthused, “I'm sure there will be a big crowd and I look forward to finding out who else will be playing.” The proceeds obtained from the contest would be distributed to various charitable organizations such as Lord's Taverners, Chance to Shine, the PCA Benevolent Fund and the KP24 Foundation.”
After being discarded from the England team in January 2014, he has been plying his trade in various T20 leagues across the globe. Incidentally in his previous appearance at the historic venue, the popular cricketer had smashed a triple ton for Surrey against Leicestershire.
A similar fundraiser was organized at the Oval on September 17 last year and involved the likes of MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Matthew Hayden, Graeme Smith in the ‘Help for Heroes’ cause. The names of the other cricketers, who will feature alongside Pietersen during this occasion, are likely to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️
