Cricket: Pietersen's commentary job angers ECB

Axed batsman plans to apologise to Strauss over text row.

Top officials of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are furious over much-maligned batsman Kevin Pietersen's move to accept a commentary job during the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

It is understood that Pietersen will be officially warned by the ECB to choose his words carefully during commentary before he leaves for Sri Lanka next month, according to Indian Express.

Pietersen will work as a television pundit for ESPN-Star Sports, raising the prospect of him commenting on his estranged former teammates. The South Africa-born star was dropped from England's Test side this month and not picked for the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka after sending ‘provocative’ text messages allegedly criticising England Test captain Andrew Strauss. England coach Andy Flower has spoken of ‘unresolved’ issues of trust and respect, with Pietersen reported to be at odds with a number of players in the dressing room as well as Strauss. Under such circumstances, the ECB feels it would be inappropriate for Pietersen to commentate while the England team is in action during the mega tournament.

According to a report in the Daily Express, the ECB central contracts do not forbid its players from working in the media and players like Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad have both accepted similar roles in the past. Pietersen, who is set to meet Strauss tomorrow for the first time since the text controversy, is hoping an apology will smooth his way back into the England set-up. However, an ECB official conceded that accepting the TV job was not the best way to go about it.

"There are provisions in his contract that prevent him making critical comments about England players and officials, so he is going to have to be very careful with what he says," said the official. "He will have to tread a fine line with what he says but you would have to ask yourself whether this job potentially jeopardises any possible road back."

Earlier, the ESPN-Star Sports network, the host broadcasters of the World Twenty20, confirmed Pietersen, 32, will be part of its presentation and analysis team for the September 18-October 7 event.

"We're delighted that one of the biggest names is part of our team and we look forward to hearing the insights of someone who knows the format and knows the current stars inside out," said the channel’s managing director, Peter Hutton.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2012.