Could Alastair Cook have prevented Kevin Pietersen`s sacking?

While the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) didn`t mention a specific reason that led to the shocking axing of Kevin Pietersen, if reports are to be believed, England skipper Alastair Cook had a role to play in the 33-year-old`s dropping from the squad.

Zee Media Bureau/ Suyash Srivastava

New Delhi: While the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) didn`t mention a specific reason that led to the shocking axing of Kevin Pietersen, if reports are to be believed, England skipper Alastair Cook had a role to play in the 33-year-old`s dropping from the squad. The England skipper was part of a three-man panel who met the batsman on Monday and told him about their decision. The reports have suggested that Cook had the final word regarding Pietersen`s exclusion from England`s squad for the ICC World Twenty20. The ECB confirmed the news of Pietersen`s axing through their official Twitter account where they issued a statement saying, "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." Kevin Pietersen`s shocking axing has received mixed responses. While his fans expressed their anger on Twitter, some reckoned it was a good move considering Pietersen`s involvement in controversies. Notably, Pietersen`s international career on Tuesday came to an abrupt end after he was left out of the country`s upcoming tour of the West Indies and the subsequent World Twenty20 Championships in Bangladesh.