SENDING texts got Kevin Pietersen into all sorts of trouble during his Test career, but sending a tweet has greatly assisted the star batsman in his first cricketing foray since being dumped by England.

Pietersen looked in danger of missing Delhi Daredevils’ all-important launch of their new uniform ahead of the 2014 Indian Premier League, after waiting more than a week to have his visa approved by the Indian Embassy.

Being the modern sports star that he is, the 33-year-old bypassed the usual routes of diplomatic complaint and went straight to the Twittersphere in search of answers.

Sure enough, the spokesman for India’s Ministry for External Affairs, Syed Akbaruddin, replied to Pietersen in quick time, no doubt swayed by the controversial batsman’s 1.6 million Twitter followers.

Akbaruddin then sent another tweet a short while later to tell the world that Pietersen had magically received clearance from India’s Sports Ministry and would have his visa granted “soon”, proving sport and politics can sometimes combine to miraculous effect.

. @KP24 Event requires approval of Sports Ministry. Mission will give Visa promptly once organisers of event obtain necessary approval. — Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) March 10, 2014

. @KP24 Good news. Twiplomacy works!! Necessary clearance just received from Sports Ministry. Mission to grant visa soon. C u in India soon — Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) March 10, 2014

Pietersen is free to play in this year’s IPL in its entirety after being relieved of England duties following the fallout from the Poms’ disastrous Ashes campaign in Australia.

Several Big Bash League franchises have also confirmed their interest in luring the South African-born star down under next summer.

For now, he’ll have to settle with raking in the rupees in India.

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry for External Affairs can expect a lot more action on Twitter.