The Dolphins have signed Kevin Pietersen, one of the most charismatic, most talked about and divisive figures in world cricket, for this year's Ram Slam T20.

The Durban franchise made the announcement at a press conference at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday where the England superstar was at his sharp and witty best.

Pietersen will only play the first five matches of the tournament starting on November 1 - one against each of the other teams - before jetting off to Australia to feature in the Big Bash, ala Chris Gayle.

His inclusion will add to the allure of the tournament, which had a glittering array of West Indian superstars like Gayle, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo last season.

The man himself was excited about his homecoming but understood that he had a job to do.

"Durban holds a very special place in my heart, having grown up there," said Pietersen. "It is going to be a pretty special time for me. I have a lot of family and friends there. Every time I come back to South Africa I get that homely feeling.

"I want to get off to some exciting and winning cricket. I obviously want to contribute on the field but, as I say in all the global tournaments I play in now, it is about giving back to the youngsters and helping them develop their game."

The 35-year-old is a sure-fire crowd puller and draws so much interest that even when he was not in the England squad people were talking about him. England and Wales Cricket Board director of cricket Andrew Strauss - a known adversary - told British media a couple of days ago that Pietersen's omission from the England team helped them win the Ashes against Australia.