Maverick England batsman Kevin Pietersen's controversy-riddled international career today came to an abrupt end after it was "unanimously" decided that he will not be a part of the rebuilding process prompted by the team's embarrassing Ashes debacle in Australia.
Pietersen and the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a joint statement to announce that the former England captain would not be a part of the team for the upcoming tour of the West Indies and the subsequent World Twenty20 Championships in Bangladesh.
The joint statement was indicative of a mutual understanding between Pietersen and the ECB on his career after the 0-5 Ashes thrashing Down Under.
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The 33-year-old swashbuckler, who played 104 Tests and 136 ODIs, is set to end as England's highest run-scorer in all formats of the game after a career spanning nine years.
"Playing cricket for my country has been an honour. Although I am obviously very sad the incredible journey has come to an end, I'm also hugely proud of what we, as a team, have achieved over the past nine years," Pietersen said.
Pietersen has 8181 Test runs at an average of 47.28 and 4440 ODI runs at 40.73 under his belt. The right-hander has 1176 runs in the 37 Twenty20 Internationals he has played so far.
"I feel extremely fortunate to have played at a time of great success for England cricket alongside some of the best cricketers the country has ever produced. I want to thank everyone for their fantastic support and I wish the team the very best of success going forward.
"I believe I have a great deal still to give as a cricketer. I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won't be for England," he added.
The dramatic announcement is being seen as an ECB move to forcefully end the controversial batsman's career. It also comes within days of Andy Flower stepping down as chief coach after being asked to by the ECB.
Newly-appointed ECB managing director Paul Downton said it was a "tough decision" to drop Pietersen as part of a rebuilding process with the focus on next year's World Cup.
