Kevin Pietersen has been released from his Indian Premier League contract by Sunrisers Hyderabad in order to focus on his potential England return.
The agreement will see the 34-year-old miss all of the Sunrisers' league fixtures, though he would be recalled if they reach the playoffs.
Pietersen has not played for England since their disastrous 2013-14 Ashes tour of Australia, but incoming England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves recently suggested that the batsman could be allowed back in the team if he concentrates on county cricket.
It is understood that Pietersen is close to joining Surrey for the new domestic season.
"I'm hugely grateful for all the support and understanding I've received from everyone at the Sunrisers and the IPL," he said in a statement. "My focus is now very much on the upcoming season in England and I'm absolutely determined to score as many runs as possible.
"I've never made any secret of my overwhelming desire to once again represent England and I'm going to do everything in my power to earn a recall to the international setup.
"To once again put on that England shirt would be a privilege and an honour, but now I have to focus on performing domestically and give myself the best possible chance of meriting selection."
Pietersen is England's highest ever run-scorer in all formats of the game.
Jack Prescott
