The ECB ended Kevin Pietersen’s England career today by not including the player in their squad for the World Twenty20 and the West Indies Tour. The South African-born batsman met senior ECB officials today, who after decided that he would not be named in the England line-up.
Pietersen played 104 test matches, 136 one-day caps and 37 Twenty20 caps for England during his career, which began in November 2004 and ended in early January with the fifth Ashes test match in Sydney.
Pietersen followed coach Andy Flower’s team to the goal, Kevin Pietersen never had a good run with the English management. True, but be a sniper of the team. The player who has a phenomenal run rate for England, the hierarchy would have found a way to manage this type of player for the best in the team.
Pietersen clearly likes to play for England, and this could be a decision followed by the ECB.
Pietersen said: “Playing Cricket for my country has been an honour. Every time I put on the England shirt, it was a very proud Moment for me and it is something that will live with me forever.
“Of course I am very sad that the incredible journey is coming to an end, but I am also very proud of what we have achieved as a team over the past nine years.
“I am very happy to have played with some of the best cricketers the country has ever produced, at a time of great success for English Cricket.
I would like to thank everyone for their fantastic support and I wish the team good luck for the future.
“As a cricketer, I still have a lot to give. I will continue to play, but I deeply contrition that it will not be for England.”
Paul Downton, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, who recently took up his post on February 1 and played a role in the withdrawal of Andy Flower and Kevin Pietersen from the England Post, certainly has a lot to answer for.
Paul Downton said: “It was clearly a difficult decision because Kevin was an outstanding player for England, as evidenced by the fact that he is the best points collector in the country in International Cricket.
“However, everyone was aware that it was necessary to start long-term planning after the Australian tour. That is why we decided that it was time to look to the future and rebuild not only the team, but also the ethics and Philosophy of the team.
“English Cricket is grateful to Kevin, who has proven to be one of the most talented and exciting players in the country, and his 13,797 runs are testament to his immense Talent.
