Published: Feb 05, 2014, 12:36 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 27, 2014, 10:45 PM (IST)
Feb 4, 2014
Kevin Pietersen has been axed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in the aftermath of the Ashes 2013-14 debacle Down Under. There was intense speculation about Pietersen’s future in the recent past and this development may surprise a few after Andy Flower parted ways with the England team.
Paul Downton, the ECB’s new managing director is said to have informed Pietersen about the unanimous decision of the England think tank during a recent meeting. Thus, Pietersen will not feature in the upcoming tour to the West Indies and the ICC World T20 2014 in Bangladesh.
“Everyone was aware that there was a need to begin the long-term planning after the Australia tour,” said Downton.
“Therefore we have decided the time is right to look to the future and start to rebuild not only the team but also team ethic and philosophy.”
“England cricket owes a debt of gratitude to Kevin who has proved to be one of the most talented and exciting players to ever represent the country and his 13,797 runs are a testimony to his immense skill,” Downton added.
Pietersen, a player of South African origin, had a controversy-marred run with the national team, and was often criticised for having an “ego”.
England have made the decision with an eye on the future and are trying to rebuild after the humiliating loss in Australia.
Catch all the latest updates on Kevin Pietersen’s exclusion from the England squad here
