Kevin Pietersen Joins England Coaching Staff Ahead of Sri Lanka ODI Series

Kevin Pietersen will return to the England set-up for the first time since 2014 after being appointed as a specialist mentor to the men’s white-ball teams ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The former England captain will begin his new role during this month’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka, including three One Day Internationals at the Banks Homes Riverside, Headingley and the Kia Oval. Pietersen will work alongside Head Coach Brendon McCullum as England continue their preparations for next year’s World Cup in southern Africa.

Eventmasters is delighted to offer England v Sri Lanka ODI hospitality for all three matches, beginning in Durham on Tuesday 22nd September before the series travels to Headingley and the Kia Oval. Guests can watch England’s latest white-ball chapter unfold from premium surroundings, with hospitality packages available across three of the country’s leading international cricket venues.

Kevin Pietersen Joins England Coaching Set-Up

Pietersen has been appointed as a specialist mentor through England’s build-up to the 2027 World Cup, with the ECB confirming that his first involvement will come during the forthcoming Vitality IT20 and Metro Bank ODI series against Sri Lanka.

He joins a white-ball coaching group which also includes Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor. Pietersen will remain involved during England’s winter white-ball tours of Australia and South Africa before returning for next summer’s home series against Pakistan and New Zealand and the World Cup itself.

The appointment brings one of England’s leading white-ball batters back into the international environment. Pietersen played 136 ODIs and 37 T20 internationals during his England career, while the ICC records his ODI return at 4,440 runs at an average of 40.73, including nine centuries. He was also part of the England side that won the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Pietersen said: “I am immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa.”

His knowledge of South African conditions could become particularly valuable further down the line. Pietersen grew up in South Africa, while the 2027 World Cup will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The ECB has specifically highlighted that background as one of the areas in which he can assist England’s ODI preparations.

Sri Lanka Series Offers Pietersen an Immediate Test

There will be little delay before Pietersen starts working with England’s players. The Sri Lanka series begins with three T20 internationals before attention turns to the 50-over game, with the ODI leg getting underway at the Banks Homes Riverside on Tuesday 22nd September.

Harry Brook will captain a 16-player ODI squad containing several of England’s most experienced white-ball players, including Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid. Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed are also included, while Sussex seamer Henry Crocombe has earned his first ODI call-up.

Pietersen’s arrival therefore gives England another experienced voice as McCullum continues to shape the side ahead of a major year of 50-over cricket. His role is not simply centred on the Sri Lanka series, but these three matches provide the first opportunity to see his influence within the England environment.

England v Sri Lanka ODI Fixtures2026

The three-match series gives England opportunities in three very different conditions as they continue building towards the next World Cup. The opening ODI takes place in Durham before the sides head to Headingley, with the series concluding at the Kia Oval.

Watch England v Sri Lanka with Eventmasters Hospitality

England’s white-ball era under McCullum now has another significant name involved, and supporters can be there as Pietersen begins his new role during the Sri Lanka series.

Eventmasters offers official hospitality for the first ODI at the Banks Homes Riverside on Tuesday 22nd September, the second match at Headingley on Thursday 24th September and the series finale at the Kia Oval on Sunday 27th September. Packages combine top-class international cricket with premium hospitality and excellent views of the action, making them suitable for entertaining clients, colleagues or enjoying the match with family and friends.

With England beginning the next phase of their preparations for the 2027 World Cup and Pietersen back inside the national set-up, the Sri Lanka ODI series provides the first chance to see the new coaching team at work.

FAQs

What role has Kevin Pietersen been given by England?
Pietersen has been appointed as a specialist mentor to England Men’s white-ball teams. He will work with the squad and individual players as England prepare for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

When will Kevin Pietersen begin working with England?
His first series will be England’s September 2026 white-ball matches against Sri Lanka, which include three T20 internationals followed by three ODIs.

When are England’s ODIs against Sri Lanka?
The matches take place on Tuesday 22nd September at the Banks Homes Riverside, Thursday 24th September at Headingley and Sunday 27th September at the Kia Oval.

Who is England’s ODI captain against Sri Lanka?
Harry Brook will captain England’s 16-player ODI squad for the series. Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ben Duckett and Adil Rashid are among the other players selected.

Can I book England v Sri Lanka ODI hospitality with Eventmasters?
Yes. Eventmasters offers hospitality packages for all three England v Sri Lanka ODIs in Durham, Leeds and London, allowing guests to enjoy the international action from premium hospitality surroundings