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KP to play for Proteas? Sport24 readers respond ...

Cape Town - Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen said on Wednesday he still has intentions of playing for South Africa.

READ: KP: I could play for Proteas in 2019

Pietersen will be eligible to play for the Proteas in 2019 after being dropped by England in the aftermath of their 2013/14 Ashes defeat in Australia.

This makes the controversial batsman 'ready' for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England, even though he'll be 40 by the time he qualifies.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, Pietersen moved to England in 2000, voicing his displeasure at the racial quota system in South African cricket.

He then went on to represent England in 104 Tests, 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is between 2004 and 2014.

Pietersen also famously tattooed the 'three lions' of the England badge on his right arm, which caused an uproar in South Africa.

Since his last appearance for England in 2014, Pietersen has regularly played in South Africa, representing the Dolphins in the domestic T20 tournament in both 2015 and 2016.

Sport24 asked our readers to respond and share their views on whether they'd like to see Pietersen don the Proteas national colours.

The response was overwhelming, with over 100 people on Facebook sharing their opinions on the star cricketer.

Here are some of the responses NOT in KP's favour:

"He chose England.... so don't come back you are old with nothing to offer." - Omphemetse Shawn Dire

"He can go to the nearest hell, chose England over his country of birth." - Pride Thato Masiu

"No. Where will he play? Instead rather offer Rilee a better contract. Him and Abbot are needed desperately. Not now, but in 3 years it will show. KP should just continue his T20 career and forget the Proteas." - Kay Mzuvukile Mdleko

"We have young black cricketers who didn't have the choice to move abroad, so why should he take their place? Let SA go bud, you've had a decent career." - Sean Parker

"No. Proteas places must be given to loyal South Africans who are fully committed to SA only & we have many to choose from." - Lawrence Govender

"England hates him now and suddenly he's South African. Thanks but no thanks." - Moses Govender

"Mammoth "No", plain travesty honestly speaking." - Nkosinathi Mc Royce Ngomane

"I don't think that is good move we have enough talent in SA. He can not be SA when it suits him." - Neverdie Gillotine

"No, we have a young team that we are building up, we don't need a 40-year-old." - Monica Head

There were some who welcomed KP's potential return to South African cricket:

"Yes, put aside the past. He's world class and a character. Can teach the guys a thing or two." - Sean Binder

"People, please don't forget Kepler (Wessels) choose Australia over us so that his bread can be butter on both sides." - Mareo Vers

"Yes if he is good enough yes. Will maybe help to get that choker tag remove." - Josia Conradie

"Think yes, if he earns his place." - Jacques Den Heijer

"If we can win a world cup then why not." - Johnno Perkins

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