West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has accused the ECB of 'disrespecting' Kevin Pietersen in the manner in which they forced him into international retirement.
Pietersen was controversially axed by England following their 5-0 Ashes hammering in Australia, with the ECB terminating his central contract.
Gayle overcame disputes with his own country's cricket board to continue his international career, and feels that it is a shame that the same cannot be said in regards to his friend Pietersen's situation.
He told reporters: "I'm disappointed by the manner he had to bow out of international cricket. It's disrespectful. I've just sent him a few text messages to say it is sad to see him go out in this way.
"I don't know what happened behind closed doors... but for such a big player to actually go out like that, who has made such a big impact around the world, it's really sad. It's disrespectful, the way he had to go."
"It has been difficult for KP. From my point of view, I sat out for a year - and then things worked out and we're all getting along well. He's been so good in international cricket I'm sure he wants to represent his country. He has said he wants more than 10,000 Test runs, and to cut it like this is sad for him."
Gayle is poised to return from injury to play for the West Indies in the first of three Twenty20 internationals against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Sunday.
Joe Fish
