Pietersen to leave Hampshire

Kevin Pietersen made his first Hampshire appearance for two years on Sunday, but he will leave at the end of the season

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has announced that he will leave Hampshire at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old, who lives in London, wants to spend more time with his wife Jessica and their first child.

Pietersen appeared for the county for the first time in two years in the Royals’ Friends Provident t20 clash with Surrey Lions on Sunday, but he will not renew his contract at the Rose Bowl.

Pietersen said: “I have not had much opportunity to play for Hampshire but I want to thank the players, staff, chairman and fans, for the support I have had during my time at the Rose Bowl. Hampshire is a great club and I wish them well for the future.”

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “Given England's critical dependence on 'KP' in all forms of cricket, we have not seen anything like as much of him as we would have liked over the past six years.

“He remains, however, a fantastic player and we wish him continued success wherever he plays and, in particular, we wish him, Jessica and Dylan every happiness.”