Pietersen passed over for finals day

Hampshire have home advantage on Saturday, but have opted against selecting their England international Kevin Pietersen

Hampshire Royals have decided not to select Kevin Pietersen in their squad for Friends Provident t20 finals day on Saturday.

The ECB yesterday announced Pietersen as one of four England players released to their counties for the flagship t20 event at the Rose Bowl, but the hosts have decided against including the 30-year-old as he has resolved to leave them at the end of the season.

The Royals’ policy remains the same as when they omitted Pietersen for a Clydesdale Bank 40 match against Kent in July.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “We are very pleased to be involved in finals day, particularly at the Rose Bowl.

“The players who have got the Royals to this point have made their county and everyone associated with the club very proud. We would, therefore, like to stand by them.

“We wish Kevin and England all the very best for the future and all their forthcoming internationals.

“We look forward to welcoming them back to the Rose Bowl for the England v Pakistan NatWest one-day international on September 22.”

Hampshire play Essex Eagles in the first semi-final on Saturday, and will play either Nottinghamshire Outlaws or Somerset in the final.