Pietersen joins Melbourne Stars

Kevin Pietersen will make his BBL debut this season after signing a two-year deal with the Melbourne Stars. Pietersen was widely expected to join a BBL team after being relieved of his national duties by the ECB in February, and the Stars had been the favourites to win to signature.

He will join his countryman Luke Wright as the two overseas signings for the Stars, who will this year be without Lasith Malinga due to his World Cup preparations. Pietersen will be part of a powerful batting line-up that will also feature Glenn Maxwell, David Hussey and captain Cameron White, who said he was pleased with the new addition.

"We're really looking forward to Kevin being part of our club," White said. "He's a tremendous addition to the squad and will fit in really well, and he'll hopefully provide us the edge to go deeper into the tournament this year."

Pietersen said he was looking forward to making the MCG his new home ground over the December-January period.

"I'm very excited about joining the Melbourne Stars and look forward to playing with some of Australia's best T20 cricketers," Pietersen said. "Joining the Melbourne Stars was an easy choice for me when you look at the players we have and the amazing off-field support staff, and don't forget our home ground, the MCG."