Kevin Pietersen has followed Graeme Swann and Andy Flower out of the England exit door after the winter's disastrous Ashes tour, in his case because of a desire "to rebuild not only the team but also team ethic and philosophy".

That was the only explanation provided in a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board confirming that Pietersen had not been considered for selection for the forthcoming World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, and will not be considered again.

The explanation came from Paul Downton, the former England wicketkeeper who recently succeeded Hugh Morris as the ECB's managing director of England cricket.

"Clearly this was a tough decision because Kevin has been such an outstanding player for England as the fact that he is the country's leading run scorer in international cricket demonstrates," said Downton. "However everyone was aware that there was a need to begin the long term planning after the Australia tour. 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: "This decision brings some clarity now for the future of the England teams and we all wish Kevin the very best in the rest of his career."

The statement also included a response from Pietersen, suggesting an agreement has been made on the remainder of his central contract, which was due to run until September. "Playing cricket for my country has been an honour," he was quoted as saying. "Every time I pulled on the England shirt was a moment of huge pride for me and that is something that will live with me forever.

"Although I am obviously very sad the incredible journey has come to an end, I'm also hugely proud of what we, as a team, have achieved over the past nine years.

The 33-year-old added: "I feel extremely fortunate to have played at a time of great success for England cricket alongside some of the best cricketers the country has ever produced.

"I want to thank everyone for their fantastic support and I wish the team the very best of success going forward. I believe I have a great deal still to give as a cricketer. I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won't be for England."

The official announcement was not much of a surprise as Piers Morgan, the broadcaster and high-profile Pietersen backer, had been tweeting his disgust at the decision for around half an hour. Morgan described Alastair Cook, who is expected to stay on as the England captain and was involved in the meetings about Pietersen's future, as "a repulsive little weasel".