Delhi Capitals have parted ways with mentor Kevin Pietersen ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The former England captain confirmed on Saturday that he would not continue in the role. Pietersen said he would not be able to give the time required for the position this year. However, he will still be involved in the tournament as a commentator.

The 45-year-old had joined the Delhi Capitals support staff in February last year. He worked closely with the team during the 2025 season. Pietersen was part of a coaching group that included Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, Head Coach Hemang Badani, Assistant Coach Matthew Mott and Bowling Coach Munaf Patel. His experience was expected to help guide the team’s younger players.

Announcing his decision on social media, Pietersen explained that he could not commit to the responsibilities of the role this season. He wrote, “I cannot be a mentor for Delhi Capitals in this IPL season. I can't commit to the time that the job requires. Best wishes to all the players for this season! However, I'll see you back in the commentary box! IPL is the world's best league, and I can't wait to see all of you soon!”

Delhi Capitals thank Pietersen as IPL 2026 schedule announced

Delhi Capitals shared a special message for Pietersen after his announcement. The franchise posted a tribute on social media along with an edited video. The caption read, “Once a Dilliwala, always a Dilliwala. Thank you for all the love & roars, KP.” Pietersen responded to the post with a heart emoji.

Watch the video here

Once a Dilliwala, always a Dilliwala. Thank you for all the love & roars, KP 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/ItiuXWD19Y

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 15, 2026

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Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026. The opening phase of the tournament will be played from March 28 to April 12. The cricket board said the remaining fixtures will be confirmed later. "As three states are scheduled to undergo State Assembly elections during this period, the full schedule of the tournament will be announced once the poll dates are announced," the BCCI said in a statement.

The 2026 IPL season will begin with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A total of 20 matches will be played during the first phase across 10 venues including Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.