Cricket:The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved England's request to replace the injured Kevin Pietersen with Eoin Morgan in their World Cup squad.
Pietersen, who had been building a new opening partnership with captain Andrew Strauss at the tournament, did not join his team-mates on the journey from Chennai to Chittagong after it was decided he needed to undergo surgery on a troublesome hernia complaint.
Pietersen has been struggling with the problem for some time but the England hierarchy felt he could play a major part in the competition if it was managed by the medical team.
Those hopes have not been realised and, after bowling eight overs of spin in the dramatic win over his native South Africa, Pietersen appeared to labour in the field, leading to a re-evaluation of his condition.
England then asked for permission to draft Morgan back into the side, having previously replaced the Irishman with Ravi Bopara due to a broken finger.
Pietersen said he was "absolutely devastated" to be returning home. England's management acted to avoid further aggravation of the problem that has also ruled Pietersen out of the Indian Premier League, which he was due to contest with the Deccan Chargers.
Pietersen, who will be out for around six weeks when he undergoes the surgery, said on his Twitter page: "Confirming the BREAKING NEWS...I fly home tonight. Out of the WC & IPL. Absolutely devastated!
"Sad to leave India. Love the people & the hospitality!"
It had been hoped England's medical staff would be able to nurse Pietersen through the remainder of the World Cup.
Speaking on Saturday, Pietersen said: "I'm obviously extremely disappointed to have picked up this hernia injury. It will no doubt impact my preparation but careful management should see me still play a significant role in the team's campaign."
But Pietersen complained of soreness after bowling eight overs in the victory against South Africa, while his performance with the bat in Chennai gleaned just two runs.
The ECB have applied to the ICC to call up Eoin Morgan as Pietersen's replacement.
Morgan was originally named in England's World Cup squad but missed out after suffering a broken finger in the build-up to the tournament.
Morgan has responded well to treatment, however, and even if he is not deemed fit enough to face Bangladesh later this week, he would be a key addition to the squad for the knockout stage should England qualify.