London: Pietersen, who was appointed last year, had been in dispute over the running of the team with England coach Peter Moores according to British media reports.
Sky said Pietersen had stepped down after losing his power struggle with Moores,
whom Pietersen believed lacked the tactical and technical know-how of a top
international coach.
Officials were keen to have the dispute between the
duo resolved before the England squad travelled to the Caribbean on January 21
for their four-Test tour of the West Indies.
South African-born
Pietersen gave credence to longstanding rumours that his relationship with
Moores was in trouble by telling Sunday's News of the World newspaper: "This
situation is not healthy, we have to make sure it is settled as soon as possible
and certainly before we fly off to the West Indies. "Everybody has to have the
same aims and pull in the same direction for the good of the England team."
There was no immediate reaction to the Sky report from the England and
Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Pietersen was appointed captain in August
after Michael Vaughan resigned.