Pietersen released from IPL

London - Kevin Pietersen has been released from the majority of his Indian Premier League contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad so that he can play domestic country cricket in an attempt to earn an England recall.

The 34-year-old, who won 104 test and 136 one-day caps, was sacked in February 2014 after England's 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia but incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves suggested this month he could be recalled if he "scores a lot of runs" for a county.

Pietersen said his agreement with Hyderabad will allow him to miss the IPL's league fixtures but he could be recalled should the team reach the knockout stages of the competition.