London: Kevin Pietersen was left out of England’s World Twenty20 squad, which was announced on Tuesday, as his international cricket exile continued.
The South Africa-born batsman was the man of the tournament when England won the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, but he was dropped from the England team that lost the third Test against South Africa at Lord’s by 51 runs on Monday after sending “provocative” text messages, allegedly criticising England Test captain Andrew Strauss, to South African players.
Pietersen, who recently made himself available again for all international cricket after retiring from one-dayers, was also left out of England’s squad for the forthcoming one-day and Twenty20 series against South Africa starting in Cardiff on Friday.
England national selector Geoff Miller, explaining Pietersen’s omission from the one-day and Twenty20 squads to play South Africa, said: “Kevin Pietersen’s future involvement is still being determined and he was therefore not considered for selection in either squad.”
The World T20 starts in Sri Lanka next month, with England beginning the defence of their title against Afghanistan on September 21.
England’s most recent Twenty20 match saw them beat West Indies by seven wickets at Trent Bridge in June with Alex Hales, taking the opener’s spot vacated by Pietersen, making 99.
England coach Andy Flower described the Pietersen issue as “a very sad situation for everyone involved”.
“He played superbly at the last Twenty20 World Cup but the circumstances that exist at the moment mean he can’t be selected,” Flower told a tv channel.
“There are still unresolved issues and we will be addressing those when we have time.”
Echoing the comments made by England Test captain Andrew Strauss last week, Flower said there were issues of “trust and mutual respect” that had to be sorted out.
“Let me be clear, this is not just an issue between the captain and Kevin,” he added. “There are unresolved issues that have reared their heads in recent weeks and they have to be resolved before there is any way forward.”
Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Shane Warne described Pietersen’s exclusion as “tragic”.
“Kevin will be one of the first people to admit that he’s acted in a way that’s been a bit silly and stupid,” Warne told Australian media on Tuesday, jumping to his friend’s defence.
“I’m sure he’d like to take back a few of his actions. There’s a bit too much ego at the ECB (England Cricket Board). There’s no give or take or compromise.
“Both sides are at fault – the bottom line is Kevin Pietersen is not playing international cricket, which is a tragedy.” (Agencies)