Pietersen Makes Text Apology

Pietersen Makes Text Apology

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has received an apology from Kevin Pietersen and an admission that he did send ‘provocative’ text messages to members of the South African team.

Kevin Pietersen has said in his apology: "I did send what you might call provocative texts to my close friends in the SA team. The texts were meant as banter between close friends. I need to rein myself in sometimes. I apologise to Straussy and the team for the inappropriate remarks at the press conference and for the texts. I truly didn't mean to cause upset or tension particularly with important games at stake." 

England managing director Hugh Morris said: “We are in receipt of Kevin’s apology, but further discussions need to take place to establish whether it is possible to regain the trust and mutual respect required to ensure all parties are able to focus on playing cricket and to maintain the unity of purpose that has served us so well in recent years. Critically, those discussions should take place behind closed doors, rather than in the media spotlight.

“A successful conclusion to this process is in everyone’s best interests and is required for Kevin Pietersen’s potential selection in all forms of the game to be considered.

“At the moment we have an important Investec Test match to focus on and therefore ECB will make no further comment until such time as is appropriate.”

England announce their squad for the ICC World Twenty20 on Saturday, although the selectors are understood to have already decided on the 15 names. Whether Pietersen's apology will now force a rethink remains to be seen.

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