During talks with England last month, Pietersen’s representatives suggested that he be allowed to rest from 50-over cricket in the summer to ease his workload, although still feature in the tournament in Sri Lanka, that starts in September, effectively delaying retirement.
When England rejected that idea Pietersen, 31, opted to go through with his plan. He cited the workload of playing three formats and said that his body would not allow him to continue across all cricket through to the 2015 World Cup.
Hugh Morris, the managing director of England Cricket, described Pietersen’s timing as “disappointing less than four months before we defend our ICC World Twenty20 title”. However, Adam Wheatley, Pietersen’s manager, said: “We were very clear with the ECB that he wants to continue in Twenty20 and as far as he is concerned he has not retired. Should they change their minds or make an exception, he is available and would love to play in Sri Lanka, simple as that.
“Resting was discussed, but I can respect the decision by Andy Flower [the team director]. It would be a very difficult thing to do because it would come under more scrutiny and bring more problems. People are already talking about the question of James Anderson and Stuart Broad being rested for a Test match.”
