LABELLED as the most controversial cricketer in the world, currently loved and hated by millions is Kevin Pietersen.
The T20 gun for hire will represent his old franchise, the Dolphins for the first half of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge in November.
The 35-year-old left South Africa in protest against the quota system that he believed would hinder his cricket future.
Pietersen was born in Pietermaritzburg and attended Maritzburg College, beginning his professional career at the Dolphins on a junior contract.
He returned briefly during his international first-class career to play two first-class matches for the franchise in 2010, before returning to form for England’s triumphant Ashes tour of Australia later that year.
The great batsmen enjoyed a tremendous Test, ODI and T20 career with England from 2004 to 2014.
Pietersen has been contracted to play five Ram Slam matches for the Dolphins from 1 to 15 November, which include home matches at Kingsmead against the Lions on 4 November and the Warriors on 8 November.
Pietersen said in a press conference at O R Tambo Airport on Tuesday before heading back to England that he is excited and up for the challenge, hoping to contribute towards a team full of talent.
Dolphins coach Lance Klusener said that Pietersen’s signing was an exciting one.
In T20’s Pietersen has played 130 matches, scoring a phenomenal 3 539 runs at a blistering strike-rate of 131.95.
