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With so many high-rated cards available for both Premier League sides, a Europa League final combined team is something special

Kicking off the first of two all-English club European finals, Arsenal and Chelsea will clash in the Europa League in Baku.

Now that EA Sports has UEFA licensing rights, you can create the Europa League final on FIFA 19 and Goal has previewed the final by creating a combined Arsenal and Chelsea squad on Ultimate Team!

EA/Getty91-rated End of an Era Petr Cech

Kicking off this list, it feels right to include a player who has represented both clubs with Petr Cech. The legendary goalkeeper is retiring after the final, resulting in his amazing End of an Era card.

With 90 diving, 92 reflexes, 89 handling, 80 kicking, and 91 positioning, Cech is incredibly safe and will make plenty of saves to keep you in the game.

AdvertisementEA/Getty86-rated Carniball Hector Bellerin

Next, at right-back, we have Hector Bellerin who has missed most of the season through injury but is still amazing in FIFA 19 thanks to this Carniball card. FIFA fans will be salivating over his 96 pace but Bellerin is no slouch at the back either with 86 interceptions, 84 marking, 87 stand tackle and 89 slide tackle.

The Spaniard is effective going up the wing too with his 89 agility, 85 ball control, 81 dribbling, 89 short passing, 85 crossing and, of course, his 94 acceleration and 97 sprint speed.

87-rated Carniball Antonio Rudiger

Our first Chelsea player on this list, Antonio Rudiger is a solid centre-back that you can always rely on.

The German has reasonable pace thanks to his 84 sprint speed but his stats really shine in the defending and physical areas with 84 interceptions, 83 heading, 85 marking, 90 stand tackle, 87 slide tackle, 86 strength and 97 aggression.

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EA/Getty89-rated Flashback David Luiz

One of the more popular cards on the game, David Luiz's Flashback card is ridiculously good. You won't find many centre-backs who are adept at carrying the ball forward as much as they are at defending.

This card is stacked with outrageous stats including 85 sprint speed, 89 shot power, 84 free-kicks, 85 short passing, 85 long passing, 85 reactions, 90 ball control, 87 composure, 94 interceptions, 89 heading, 87 marking, 92 stand tackle, 91 slide tackle, 89 jumping, 90 strength and 97 aggression.

Luiz is fast, strong and even has that little something special to score a rare goal.

Can anyone stop the juggernaut that is Toronto FC?

That's the question entering the 2018 MLS campaign, which kicks off Saturday when TFC begins its title defense with an Eastern Conference final rematch against the Columbus Crew at BMO Field.

Less than three months after Toronto completed a treble by sinking the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final, has unanimously picked Sebastian Giovinco and Co. to repeat as Supporters' Shield winners and tapped them as favorites to again lift the MLS Cup as well.

But which dark-horse contenders could potentially dethrone TFC? Who will take home MLS MVP honors? Which player is poised for a breakout campaign? editors and writers have provided their predictions below:

Brad PennerMost Valuable Player

IVES GALARCEP:. He may be 36 years old, but Villa is still a goal-scoring machine. With New York City FC upgrading through the addition of Jesus Medina, Villa should have another outstanding season and hold off Miguel Almiron for his second MVP.

JON ARNOLD:. At some point, Giovinco has to stop shredding MLS opposition. This is not that year. The Atomic Ant will again be key for Toronto, leading the team in scoring and helping the Reds to more trophies.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The 24-year-old Paraguayan playmaker isn't long for MLS, but he'll make the most of his time stateside by delivering a dominant season as the focal point in Atlanta United's high-octane attack.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. There are plenty of good candidates, but the simple pick here is the best player on the best team in the league.

BEN VALENTINE:. Miguel Almiron figures to be a popular preseason MVP pick, but Rusnak quietly was almost as productive last season. Real Salt Lake’s struggles hid that somewhat, but Rusnak will get more exposure this year in what should be a much better side.

SETH VERTELNEY:. Yes, he's 36, but Villa somehow shows no sign of slowing down and has actually been getting better and better in his three MLS seasons. He could pick up his second MVP if he continues that trend.

AdvertisementGreg BartramCoach of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. After a dozen seasons away from MLS, Bradley is back and will make the most of a talented expansion squad with Los Angeles FC.

JON ARNOLD:. Unless voters have fatigue and want to reward a coach of an up-and-coming team (perhaps more in the spirit of the award), Vanney should be able to repeat. TFC is set for a big year, and Vanney has so far steered the team with an expert touch.

THOMAS FLOYD: . It's been a rough few years for a coach seen as one of the brighter minds in American soccer, but a productive offseason has given Kreis the tools to make Orlando City an Eastern Conference contender after last season's 10th-place finish.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. Atlanta came on strong in year one and any step forward would represent the club actually contending for a title in just its second season.  

BEN VALENTINE:. The Columbus Crew not only have to deal with replacing two key players in Ola Kamara and Justin Meram but also face the specter of relocation. If Berhalter can navigate this club to a successful season, he deserves the award.

SETH VERTELNEY:. If the Argentine can take Atlanta from an expansion team making the postseason to a second-year side atop the East, it will be one of the biggest MLS coaching feats in recent memory.

Brett DavisDefender of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. The Atlanta central defender came on strong late in 2017, and should carry over his dominant form into an outstanding second season.

JON ARNOLD:. After a rough start, Calvo and Minnesota United settled into life in MLS. The Loons have an opening to be better this year in a Western Conference full of teams in transition and Calvo will lead the charge from the back.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The Argentine defender was a commanding presence in his first MLS season but seemed to fly under the radar as Atlanta's attack grabbed the headlines. Look for Gonzalez Pirez to get his due this year.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. Bob Bradley's LAFC team will play good defense, and with a former Defender of the Year playing beside him in Laurent Ciman and plenty of eyes on the expansion club, Zimmerman should stand out in 2018. 

BEN VALENTINE:. An injury slowed his start to 2017, but Glad should continue his development into one of the league’s best center backs while anchoring Real Salt Lake's defense.

SETH VERTELNEY:. Year two in MLS should be even better than year one for Gonzalez Pirez, who still managed to finish fourth in the Defender of the Year voting in 2017. A classy defender on the ball who can get involved in the attack, the Argentine should take his game to new heights in 2018.

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Kim KlementGoalkeeper of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. The playoff hero for the Columbus Crew finished 2017 on a roll, and he should dominate in net in his second full season as a starter.

JON ARNOLD:. This award is tough to call. Tim Melia was fantastic last year, and nobody saw that coming. But you can't go wrong picking Blake since the Jamaican makes good stops and generally has plenty to do.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The U.S. national team goalkeeper was quietly impressive after his midseason arrival, and he should post pristine numbers with that stacked Atlanta team in front of him.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. The 22-year-old was playing at a very high level in the 2017 playoffs and, if he can carry that into the new season, looks primed to make his mark as one of the top shot-stoppers in MLS. 

BEN VALENTINE:. Bono solidified himself as the No. 1 last season and out-dueled fellow U.S. national team prospect Zack Steffen in the playoffs. While Steffen may be a popular pick for this award, Bono will fare well behind a Toronto defense that should be a touch more stable than its Columbus counterpart.

SETH VERTELNEY:. The 23-year-old doesn't quite get as much credit as some of Toronto's other big names, but Bono was a huge factor in TFC's treble-winning season last year and should only improve in 2018.

Kristie Mewis appears to have confirmed that Emma Hayes will be the USWNT’s new head coach despite no official announcement being made as yet.

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Demanding coaching role needs to be filledVarious candidates considered for itProven winner being lured away from ChelseaWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States are in the market for a new manager after parting company with Vlatko Andonovski on the back of a disastrous 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign that saw a global crown surrendered in spectacular fashion by the four-time champions.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Various candidates have been considered to fill the most demanding of roles, with Hayes emerging as the leading contender due to her remarkable record at WSL side Chelsea. Over the course of 11 years and more than 300 games in west London, Hayes has delivered six Super League titles, five FA Cup wins and a couple of League Cup triumphs.

WHAT THEY SAID

Gotham FC star Mewis is looking forward to seeing what Hayes will bring to the USWNT fold, with the experienced midfielder telling reporters of an imminent appointment that is yet to be confirmed by U.S. Soccer: “She’s an outstanding coach and she has led Chelsea to so many championships and so many wins, and she’s a world respected coach. I'm super excited to see what she can bring to the team. She's exactly what we need and I really just think that she's going to take the team to the next level and, yeah, I’m just excited to see what she brings.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Hayes – who has previously worked in the United States with the Long Island Lady Riders, Iona College, the Chicago Red Stars, Western New York Flash and Washington Freedom – has been at Chelsea since August 2012 and was awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list for her services to football.

The first two ODIs between West Indies and Pakistan will see international cricket return to Guyana, after the West Indies Cricket Board announced the schedule for Pakistan’s tour in July

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2013Guyana, St Lucia and St Vincent and Grenadines will host the five ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals between West Indies and Pakistan in July, according to the schedule released by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Thursday.Pakistan will play the first two ODIs in Guyana on July 14 and 16, and the remaining ODIs will be played in St Lucia on July 19, 21 and 24. The two T20Is will be played at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground in St Vincent on July 27 and 28. The visitors will also play a 50-over warm-up game in Guyana before the start of the series.Pakistan were originally scheduled to play two Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20s in the Caribbean in June and July, but West Indies planned a tri-series involving India and Sri Lanka, which shortened the window. The WICB had asked the PCB if their tour could be rescheduled to August. That, however, interfered with Pakistan’s plan to host India and to play out the Zimbabwe series that was postponed in 2012.Guyana will host an international match after a year’s gap. The Guyana National Stadium last hosted an ODI in 2011 between West Indies and Pakistan. Administrative disputes between the WICB, the Guyana Cricket Board and the Guyanese government had resulted in a Test against Australia in 2012 being shifted to another venue.

For some, it is about the one that got away. For Stuart Williams, it is about the one moment that did: Marlon Samuels’ dismissal

Firdose Moonda in Cape Town05-Jan-20150:52

‘We’re the best bowling unit in the world’ – Morkel

For some, it is about the one that got away. For Stuart Williams, it is about the one moment that did: Marlon Samuels’ dismissal.”We were building nicely. It was just an awful shot,” Williams said.After declaring himself a cannibal, in spin terms at least, Samuels got hold of Simon Harmer and was playing him comfortably, even with the shot that led to his downfall. He responded to a brief period of being tied down by launching Harmer down the ground but forgot that there was a long-on with legs chasing after it. Dean Elgar is one of the quicker men on the outfield and made good ground to take the catch almost straight down the wicket.That was the catalyst for another collapse – this time seven for 33 – which saw West Indies tumble from a fighting position to a flagging one. “I think we just missed the moment. That’s the moment in the game where everything fell away,” Williams said. “This is international cricket and we just have to seize the moment. You have to respect your opposition at all times and we didn’t do that.”South Africa knew that Samuels’ default position is defiance, which could stretch to disrespect if he is feeling in the mood. They also knew that if they got him out of the away, the rest would fall. “He was one of their stand-out batters so it was important to put him under pressure early on,” Morne Morkel said. “We know him – if he hits, he hits. But [if] he misses, he is out.”Despite that, Samuels remains the highest run-scorer for West Indies in South Africa for a second tour in succession and Williams conceded that he remains the biggest positive for them. “We have some positives like Marlon averaging over 50,” Williams said. “And in the first innings of this game, we bowled out South Africa. We had three run outs. Even though we don’t have a bowler who took five or six wickets, we still worked hard.”The small improvements West Indies made along the way is a good sign for Williams, even though he admitted to frustration with the lower order. “In the first game, South Africa played well and we didn’t. Then, in Port Elizabeth we showed some improvement and then in three-and-a-half days here, we were in the game and we obviously had a competition,” he said. “But our lower order never really fronted up and we spoke about it all along. It’s difficult; it’s stressful but you still have to find a way.”Williams hoped that West Indies would bat out the day and bat until lunch tomorrow to get a lead of “close to 230 or 240.” That, he believed, would have been enough to push for victory. Now, they only have 115 more runs to defend and Williams has promised ” a fight” and that his men would learn from the team they may eventually be beaten by. “They’re not No. 1 in the world by mistake. What I will take from here is consistency, especially in the bowlers. If we can learn from that, we will be on the right track.”

The WICB has said it was left with no option but to “discontinue” the tour of India after the players had informed the board through the team management that they would be returning back to the Caribbean

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Oct-2014’Must fulfil commitments to FTP’ – ICC ExCo chairman

“The situation that has just unfolded, with the West Indian players abandoning the remainder of the Indian tour, is deeply concerning for a game that needs strong cooperation for its survival,” Edwards said. “We are a long way from what has taken place in India and have sought further details so we can understand more as a priority.
“Put simply, players and Boards must fulfil their commitments to the ICC Future Tours Programme.
“Situations such as these have to be avoided at all costs because ultimately those that are affected most are the people that the game depends on so heavily – cricket lovers, key broadcasters and commercial partners.
“For the game’s sake this needs to be resolved as soon as possible.”

The WICB has said it was left with no option but to “discontinue” the tour of India after the players had informed the board through the team management that they would be returning back to the Caribbean.”The WICB clarifies that players in the West Indies Squad currently in India represented by Mr. Dwayne Bravo indicated to the WICB through the West Indies Team Management that the players have taken a decision to withdraw their services for the remainder of the tour of India,” the release said. “As a result of this action by the players the WICB was left with no option but to advise the BCCI that it will no longer be able to provide a West Indies team for the remaining five matches (5th ODI, T20 International, three Test matches).”The WICB directors have called for an emergency board meeting on October 21 in Barbados to decide all the “ramifications” arising of the players pullout and take any actions if necessary. The WICB did not rule out penalising players but such actions would be discussed at Tuesday’s meeting.After the players’ decision had become public as soon as the fourth ODI in Dharamsala had started, BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel issued a bluntly-worded media release, holding the WICB responsible for what he called as an “abrupt” termination of the tour. Patel pointed out that the WICB’s inability to resolve the growing differences between players and West Indies Players Association (WIPA) over the payment dispute lead to such a crisis.Although it had issued a short release earlier in the day stating the WICB did not play any role in the tour being called off, the board issued a ten-point media release late Friday afternoon Caribbean time after an emergency teleconference of its directors. In it the WICB pointed the fingers back at Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies ODI captain, and his players for the “premature” end to the tour.The WICB said it did think of sending a replacement West Indies team, but that was “not considered acceptable” to the BCCI. “The WICB is understanding of this position,” the release said. The WICB took the opportunity to “unreservedly” apologise to the BCCI, the sponsors and the fans both in Caribbean and India.But the BCCI was completely unapologetic as it bared its angst in a second media release, issued late Friday evening India time. The release was once again signed by Patel, where he listed a timeline of the events about the WICB president Dave Cameron’s communications with BCCI. Cameron’s various unfulfilled promises about providing an assurance that the dispute would have no repercussion on the India tour, Patel said, “makes it clear all along that the WICB was withdrawing its team if a resolution was not reached in the issue with the players.”But the WICB defended its position. “The WICB clarifies further that as a result of postulations by the players, the tour was under a cloud of uncertainty from the inception. The WICB, acting prudently, advised the host board – BCCI – of the developments and remained in constant contact to provide updates as to the threat of possible player action.”The WICB also revealed a delegation lead by its CEO Michael Muirhead along with Julian Charles (the cricket committee chairman) and WIPA president and CEO Wavell Hinds was supposed to be in India on October 20 to negotiate with the players. “The WICB regrets that the delegation which was pre-scheduled to travel to India to meet with the players on a number of issues will no longer be able to conduct such meeting at which the intention was also to discuss the concerns of the players.”This meeting was scheduled prior to any issues being raised with the new MOU/CBA and it was intended to acquaint all the parties of how it would roll out. This was necessary as the WICB did not have an opportunity to so do in the Caribbean due to the logistical challenges of assembling all the players prior to departure for the tour of India (some of the players were already in India participating in the Champions League). The WICB CEO, Mr. Muirhead and WIPA President/CEO Mr. Hinds had been in negotiations with regard to finding a mutually agreeable position to allow for the full tour to be completed.”

Sohag Gazi’s maiden century had left the first Test in Chittagong nicely poised, but a passing shower drastically diminished chances of a result

The Report by Mohammad Isam12-Oct-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsSohag Gazi remained unbeaten on 101•AFPSohag Gazi’s maiden century had left the first Test in Chittagong nicely poised, but a passing shower drastically diminished chances of a result and New Zealand’s caution in their second innings, on a pitch that hardly turned, increased that probability.Chittagong is within 600 km of the predicted path of Cyclone Phailin, which is expected to make landfall on the east coast of India on Saturday evening, and the 20-minute shower in the third session forced an early halt to play. There was more rain forecast in Chittagong on Sunday.Before the weather took a turn for the worse, however, it was Bangladesh’s No. 8 Sohag Gazi who had the most impact on the play. Resuming on 28, Gazi brought out his favourite shots. The hard-hit cover drive, the upper cut and the late cut were eye catching but the slogs through midwicket and bludgeons down the ground were what demoralized the New Zealand attack.Doug Bracewell was cut over the wicketkeeper’s head and then slammed over midwicket for Gazi’s first six, as he reached his fifty off 94 balls. Gazi was also severe on the spinners, he charged slow left-armer Bruce Martin and hit him over his head for his second six. The third came off part-time offspinner Kane Williamson and gave Bangladesh’s lead in the 140th over. Bangladesh went to lunch on 491 for 8, having scored 111 runs in the session, for the loss of only Abdur Razzak.Robiul Islam fell in the first over after the interval, leaving Gazi on 98 with only No. 11 Rubel Hossain for company. There was no need for nerves though as Gazi cut a short ball over gully to record his maiden Test century. He celebrated gleefully by pumping his fists, as the home side continued to dominate in the early part of the second session.Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 501 in the 149th over with a 32-run lead – the first time in five attempts that Bangladesh have overtaken New Zealand after batting second.Gazi’s innings wasn’t shot-a-minute as one might expect from a batsman who has the country’s fastest first-class hundred. He left many balls outside off stump, though he had two reprieves – both caught-and-bowled chances of varying difficulty. Martin spilled a sitter, but Trent Boult’s one-handed attempt was harder.Gazi finished with ten fours and three sixes, adding 105 runs with No. 10 Robiul, who also made his highest score of 33. Bracewell took three wickets while Boult, Corey Anderson and Ish Sodhi took two each.New Zealand’s reply wasn’t too cautious to begin with, as Hamish Rutherford made a rapid 32 off 45 balls. But when he fell lbw to Nasir Hossain in the 16th over, Peter Fulton and Kane Williamson became more circumspect, as they slowly added 69 in an unbroken second-wicket stand. The visitors led by 85 runs, but they have to take a more positive approach for a result, weather permitting.

Regis Chakabva’s maiden List A century helped Zimbabwe A to a 17-run win over Bangladesh A in the first one-day match in Fatullah

Mohammad Isam28-Sep-2014
ScorecardRegis Chakabva’s maiden List A century helped Zimbabwe A to a 17-run win over Bangladesh A in the first one-day match in Fatullah. This is the visiting side’s first win on tour after going down 2-0 in the two-match unofficial Test series.Chakabva’s 132 off 144 balls, with 13 boundaries and three sixes, was the backbone and enforcer of Zimbabwe A’s 253 for 6 in 50 overs.During his stay, Chakabva added 83 for the opening wicket with Brian Chari, 42 with Timycen Maruma for the third wicket and 120 for the fifth wicket with the captain Vusi Sibanda, who struck 52 off 67 balls with four boundaries and a six.The home side were dealt an early blow when Abul Hasan, making a comeback from a back injury that put him out for 18 months, had to go off after bowling just 2.5 overs due to a neck injury. Legpsinner Jubair Hossain and Mominul Haque took two wickets each.In reply, Bangladesh lost most of their top order by the 11th over, after which one of the openers, Soumya Sarkar added 63 for the fourth wicket with Naeem Islam. Sarkar made 56 off 80 balls while Islam top scored with an 85-ball 66 that had five boundaries. Islam added 56 for the fifth wicket with Mosaddek Hossain who fell short of a fifty by just one run.He added 70 rapid runs for the seventh wicket with Elias Sunny but once the latter fell in the 48th over, Bangladesh A had a mini-collapse that stalled the momentum created by Sunny and Mosaddek and ultimately cost them.For Zimbabwe A, legbreak bowler Tafadzwa Kamungozi took four wickets while Tawanda Mupariwa and Cuthbert Musoko also chipped in with three and two wickets respectively.

Complete guide to the 2024 MLS Superdraft, including how to watch, best prospects and more

The 2024 MLS Superdraft is almost here, with some of the best young players ready to be drafted to the biggest teams in North America.

Get your MLS Season Pass today!Subscribe now

It is one of the key dates in the soccer calendar in the United States and Canada, and everyone is waiting to see who the first picks will be.

So, when is the 2024 MLS Superdraft, who are the top prospects and how can you watch it? GOAL has everything you need to know.

When is the 2024 MLS SuperDraft?Date:December 19, 2023Time:3pm ET / 12 noon PT

The 2024 MLS Superdraft will take place on Tuesday, December 19 at 3pm ET / 12 noon PT, with all 29 teams set to have representatives stationed at the draft for the event. This will be the second-straight year with the draft in December, despite the fact that it is nominally the 2024 edition.

AdvertisementHow to watch the 2024 MLS SuperDraft – tv channel & live streamGet your MLS Season Pass today!Subscribe now

Round One of the draft will be streamed live for free on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass.

It is also expected to be streamed live on the MLS Twitch page.

Commissioner Don Garber will announce each pick on stage, with players present walking up and joining him for a brief presentation.

Getty ImagesWhat is the draft order for the 2024 MLS SuperDraft?

The 2024 draft order is initially determined via MLS regular season standings finish for all non-playoff teams, with the last-place team picking first.

For all playoff teams, the order is then determined by which round of playoffs they're eliminated. The entire order can be seen here below. It should be noted that the pick order can changed depending on trades between teams.

Note: Any team with a '*' symbol next to them is a pick that has been received via trade already.

1Toronto FC2Colorado Rapids3FC Dallas*4Colorado Rapids*5Austin FC6Chicago Fire7DC United8New York City FC9Minnesota United10CF Montreal11Nashville SC*12Colorado Rapids*13San Jose Earthquakes14New York Red Bulls15Inter Miami*16Real Salt Lake*17St. Louis CITY SC*18Real Salt Lake19Atlanta United20Minnesota United*21Colorado Rapids*22Sporting Kansas City23Seattle Sounders24Inter Miami* 25Orlando 26Houston Dynamo27FC Cincinnati28LAFC29Columbus CrewENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Best prospects in 2024 MLS SuperDraftJacob Murrell | Georgetown | Forward

Jacob Murrell is a former Gatorade National Player of the Year who scored 11 goals and added four assists for the Hoyas in 2023. He's a top prospect who has drawn similarities to Orlando City's Duncan McGuire, as a pure domestic forward with a nose for the goal.

Kalani Kossa-Rienzi | Washington | Central midfielder

Expected to be the first midfielder off the board, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi participated in the 2023 MLS College Showcase event, where he displayed a technical quality that many think will translate to MLS level. An elite passer of the ball, he can play in multiple formations across multiple midfield positions.

Nate Jones | Washington | Central defender

Nate Jones is arguably the top central defensive prospect in the draft, stands six-foot-three and leads from the back. Following the mold of USMNT star Miles Robinson, he is a standout defender who possess passing skills – making him a versatile option for coaches in the draft.

England will enter a new era without one of their greatest-ever batsmen, after the ECB decided not to consider Kevin Pietersen for selection for the forthcoming tour of the Caribbean and subsequent World Twenty20

David Hopps04-Feb-2014England will enter a new era without one of their greatest-ever batsmen after the ECB decided not to consider Kevin Pietersen for selection for the forthcoming tour of the Caribbean and subsequent World Twenty20.A career that spanned 104 Tests and more than 150 limited-overs appearances over nine years, during which time Pietersen became England’s leading run-scorer in international cricket yet became one of the most divisive players in their history, now appears to be over.The final separation comes little more than a year after Pietersen’s successful “reintegration” to the team on the tour of India.The ECB said in a statement that the decision had been unanimous among the England management, adding that “now was the time to start the rebuilding process” after the disappointment of being whitewashed in Australia.Kevin Pietersen’s England career is over•Getty ImagesPaul Downton, the new managing director of England cricket, has overseen a strong-minded and controversial decision in his first week in the job.He led discussions with Alastair Cook, the Test and one-day captain, Ashley Giles, the limited-overs coach who has just returned from Australia, and James Whitaker, the national selector. Downton also met with Pietersen, who had previously indicated his desire to play on, tweeting that he was “determined to help regain the Ashes in 2015” in the wake of England’s 5-0 defeat. There was even a teleconference with the ECB’s executive board. Democracy has been extensive, if as yet ill explained.With the announcement of England’s World Twenty20 squad expected on Thursday, the ECB took the unprecedented step of holding “policy meetings” solely to discuss the eligibility of one player: Pietersen. He spent the day of his sacking giving a class on how to play spin bowling to his Surrey team-mates at The Oval.”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,” Downton said.”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. 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.”Pietersen and his representatives seemed to have accepted the inevitable. Adam Wheatley, director of Missions Sports Management, Pietersen’s agent, tweeted: “Had a couple of meetings today. What’s everyone else been up to?”

“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”Paul Downton, England managing director

In a statement released by the ECB, Pietersen: “Playing cricket for my country has been an honour. 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. 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 news of England forcibly retiring one of their most experienced players comes less than a week after Andy Flower stepped down as team director and follows the retirement of Graeme Swann during the disastrous Ashes tour.Few would seriously contend that there are valid cricketing reasons to omit Pietersen for the World Twenty20 and, whatever rumours and counter-rumours swirl around England’s most controversial son, no specific examples of misbehaviour in Australia have been made public.England have not revealed any disciplinary issues on the tour of Australia, which could have led to an official fine or reprimand. Neither have they confirmed reports in the that Pietersen and Cook were involved in a ”heated” discussion at the SCG members’ bar on the eve of the fifth Test.People will wonder how Flower and his extensive management team, amounting to more than 20 backroom staff, could still fail to manage England’s most maverick player – and whether the supposedly collapsing “team ethic and philosophy” is being blamed solely on one man.Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, was one of the first ex-stars to ask for clarification. “I think the ECB have to explain to everyone exactly what KP has done so we can all have clarity and reasoning,” he tweeted.

I think the @ECB_cricket have to explain to everyone exactly what @KP24 has done so we can all have clarity and reasoning ..

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 4, 2014

There have been suggestions that Cook’s opinion would be highly influential in the decision – it had even been said in some quarters that he would “have the final word” – yet if that was true it would raise disturbing inconsistencies. Cook might be England’s Test captain but he does not even play Twenty20 cricket – yet his opinion could have swung the decision on whether Pietersen was available for the World Twenty 20.England’s rejection of Pietersen will now make him an even more coveted asset in IPL. The IPL auction takes place on February 12 and Pietersen, even at 33, would be bound to attract a sizeable bid if he was available for the entire tournament and driven by a determination to prove England wrong. He is a free agent after being released by Delhi Daredevils, who did not retain any of their squad.He remains centrally contracted to the ECB and, although there has been no indication of whether he will be treated differently from any other England player – those hoping to play in the IPL must be back in the UK by May 13, ahead of the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka – the nature of the joint statement suggests he can stay for the duration. It will be intriguing to see whether he also plays one-day cricket for Surrey.The 5-0 whitewash in Australia seems to have reopened rifts in the England dressing room. Pietersen is thought to have regarded Flower’s management as overly intense and serious and was thought to be hopeful that Giles, the limited-overs coach, would encourage a more relaxed environment. But Pietersen was rested from the limited-overs leg of the Australia tour as England lost the ODIs 4-1 and went down 3-0 in the T20 series.Friction between Pietersen and the ECB existed long before the Ashes series. At the start of 2009, he lost the captaincy after questioning the qualities of the coach, Peter Moores, who was also sacked; in 2012, he retired from ODI and T20 cricket and then was dropped after sending texts to members of the touring South Africa team.Pietersen was Man of the Tournament when England won the World Twenty20 in 2010•Getty ImagesReports after the conclusion of the Test series against Australia had suggested that Flower wanted Pietersen excluded from the England set-up if he was to continue as team director. Flower denied giving the ECB an ultimatum but pointedly did not extend his support to Pietersen.Giles, the favourite to replace Flower as team director, had previously called Pietersen a “million-pound asset”, when asked about his future in Australia. If the decision to dispense with his services was unanimous, that represents quite a financial crash.Cook was central to Pietersen’s return to the Test side in India in 2012, where England claimed an historic series victory. However, it seems that support has evaporated for a player routinely described as one of the most exciting and talented ever to represent England.It is understood that Flower was not part of the meeting about Pietersen’s future but he has remained as a selector for an as-yet unstated interim period and has indicated that he will sit on the selection panel to choose the one-day squads for the West Indies and World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.Pietersen is England’s leading run scorer in all formats, with 13,797 runs in 277 matches. He is fourth on England’s Test match runs list and second in terms of centuries, behind only Cook. Ahead of Pietersen playing his 100th Test in the first match of the Ashes in Australia, Mark Nicholas wrote: “That he does so on Thursday says much about his fabulous ability and something more about a ruthlessness in him that is not always apparent. He is close to being regarded as a truly great cricketer, England’s first since Ian Botham.”