Kevin Pietersen signs 'peace' deal with ECB, to return to England team

Kevin Pietersen is set to return to the England team as the controversial batsman has reached an agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after being dropped during the South Africa tour.

Pietersen was embroiled in a controversy after he sent provocative text messages to the Proteas team players about then skipper Andrew Strauss.

Taking an exception to Pietersen's conduct, the ECB had dropped the prolific batsman, who also missed the ongoing World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

"ECB and Kevin Pietersen confirm that agreement has been reached concerning a process for his re-integration into the England Team during the remainder of 2012. Upon completion of the programme, the England Selectors will consider Kevin for future matches," ECB said in a statement.

The statement added that Pietersen has apologised to Andrew Strauss and regrets the impact the recent controversies have had on the England team.

Pietersen, who appeared with ECB chairman Giles Clarke at a briefing here today, hoped he would play for England "as soon as possible".

"It's been a horrible situation for all involved but it's time to move forward," Pietersen was quoted as saying by those present at the briefing.

"All being well, I'll be back in an England shirt as soon as possible. I am committed to completing the re-integration process we have agreed over the coming weeks and resuming my England career in all formats, hopefully until the World Cup in 2015 and as long as my body allows.

"I want my son growing up seeing me playing for England and I hope one day he will put an England shirt on himself.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to apologise to my team-mates, England supporters and the ECB for the situation that has arisen over the last couple of months. Thankfully we have drawn a line under it and can move forward."

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