Kevin Pietersen could be set for a return to Surrey this summer © Getty Images
Kevin Pietersen is understood to have withdrawn from the Caribbean Premier League, opening the door to a return to Surrey.
Pietersen was expected to appear for St Lucia Stars (formerly Zouks) in this year’s CPL, which runs from August 1 to September 9.
But ESPNcricinfo understands he no longer intends to go to the Caribbean and is instead expected to make himself available to play in the NatWest Blast in England. This year’s Blast will be played in a block from July 7, with Finals Day on September 2.
While Pietersen is not a huge fan of England’s domestic T20 competition – he felt that playing just once a week rendered it difficult to find form or rhythm – the competition’s return to something approaching a window in 2017 may have eased his concerns.
His relationship with Surrey remains very good and the club have made no secret of their desire to re-sign him should he become available.
Pietersen appeared in the 2014 and 2015 editions of the CPL but pulled out of last year’s draft in order to take some time off. He has spent recent months playing in South Africa’s T20 Challenge, the BBL in Australia and the Pakistan Super League.
The draft for the 2017 CPL is due to take place in Barbados on Friday.
George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo