England captain Alastair Cook is hopeful the future of estranged batsman Kevin Pietersen will be sorted out shortly.

Pietersen was dropped for England's final Test match against South Africa and their tour of India following revelations he sent critical text messages to South African players about former captain Andrew Strauss.

Cook revealed the 32-year-old Pietersen was in talks with England and Wales Cricket Board officials in Sri Lanka, where England are preparing to defend their ICC World Twenty20 title.

"I did have a meeting with Kevin and I have been involved in meetings," he said.

"Clearly the issues haven't been resolved and that is why he is not available for selection at the moment.

"Time hopefully will be a healer and we will be able to move on, but the issues will have to be resolved.

"If the issues can be resolved, Kevin has said he is available for selection, but at the moment that can't happen.

"Meetings are still going on in Sri Lanka at the moment."

Cook, the Test and one-day international skipper, admitted Pietersen's absence from the four-Test tour of India was a blow to his side but sees no reason as to why players like debutants Nick Compton and Joe Root cannot step up to fill the void.

"Kevin has proved in all conditions around the world that he is a world-class player," the 27-year-old said.

"His record suggests that in all forms of the game.

"It is a sad circumstance. He will be missed but it gives opportunities to other players and they can do well."