In a statement released on Sunday, it said it didn’t feel the batsman would give his full support to Test and one-day captain Alastair Cook.
The ECB said it wanted to create an environment where Cook had “the full support of all players” as England look to rebuild following a disastrous tour Down Under.
The statement read: “It has been a matter of great frustration that until now the England and Wales Cricket Board has been unable to respond to the unwarranted and unpleasant criticism of England players and the ECB itself, which has provided an unwelcome backdrop to the recent negotiations to release Kevin Pietersen from his central contract.
“Those negotiations have been successfully concluded and whilst both parties remain bound by confidentiality provisions the ECB would like to make the following comments.
“The ECB recognises the significant contribution Kevin has made to England teams over the last decade. He has played some of the finest innings ever produced by an England batsman.
“However, the England team needs to rebuild after the whitewash in Australia. To do that we must invest in our captain Alastair Cook and we must support him in creating a culture in which we can be confident he will have the full support of all players, with everyone pulling in the same direction and able to trust each other.
“It is for those reasons that we have decided to move on without Kevin Pietersen.”
Pietersen, 33, was released early from his central contract on Tuesday. The ECB initially refused to reveal its reasons for axing England’s all-time leading run-scorer across all formats, with managing director Paul Downton explaining: “The time is right to rebuild not only the team but also the team ethic. Clearly this was a tough decision because Kevin has been such an outstanding player for England.”
South African-born Pietersen was criticized for the manner of his dismissals as England were whitewashed 5-0 in the Ashes.
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