Kevin Pietersen was on Wednesday handed a berth in England's provisional 30-man squad for the ICC World Twenty20, which begins in Bangladesh in March. The 33-year-old batsman's international future has been the subject of speculation since England's humiliating 5-0 loss to Australia in the Ashes, with British media reports suggesting his place was at risk.

England limited overs coach Ashley Giles dismissed suggestions that Pietersen's presence in the squad could prove problematic, describing him as a "million-pound" asset. Asked if he had discussed leaving Pietersen out of the squad with team director Andy Flower, Giles replied: "No. There was no discussion about leaving Kevin out.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2014