Former Kwazulu-Natal Cricket Union president Rob Kurz has angrily denied the suggestion that Hampshire star Kevin Pietersen was "rejected" by the body when he left at the end of 1999/2000 season.

Kurz, who was president at the time of Pietersen's departure indicated that it was the player's decision to leave, and not that the union did not want him.

Kurz told The Mercury newspaper of a meeting he had with Pietersen and his father where the transformation policies were discussed.

''They sought assurances at a meeting with myself and CEO Cassim Docrat over whether we could guarantee him a place in the team. More specifically, they wanted to know whether transformation would play a role in our selection policies,'' Kurz said.

''I was very up front with them. I said that transformation would play a part, and that the UCB (United Cricket Board) had made certain undertakings to fast-track transformation in the overall interests of the game in this country. I also said that no player could be guaranteed a place in the provincial team.'' Kurz said that the meeting had been amicable, with Pietersen saying that it was likely that he would take up an offer to play county cricket with Nottinghamshire.

''I wished him luck if that was his decision, but I emphasised that if he was good enough his progress would not be hindered and that he would play for Natal.

''Transformation also means that the best players are chosen at provincial and national level,'' Kurz added.

Kurz feels that his union had done everything to keep Pietersen, including offering him a sponsored education and cricket coaching after he left Maritzburg College as well as a junior contract with the province for the 2000/2001 season.

While Pietersen had done well, Kurz pointed out that his Supersport Series average was a lowly 10.75 in four matches, and that his average for Natal B was ''undistinguished''.

''Good luck to Pietersen,'' said Kurz. ''It's worked out brilliantly for him in England. But the fact of the matter is that we never rejected him. In fact, it was the opposite.'' Kurz rejected arguments by players that transformation was driving players out of the country.

''If white players are good enough, they'll make it, like AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn. In general, I believe that Cricket South Africa has done a fine job in balancing the requirements of a merit-based national team with the need for the transformation of the sport,'' Kurz said.