News that Pietersen's World Cup was over emerged while the England squad were en route from India to Bangladesh for their next match on Friday. It had already been confirmed that Pietersen would undergo hernia surgery after the World Cup but he appeared laboured in the field during the six-run win against South Africa.
England's management have now acted to avoid further aggravation of the problem that has also ruled Pietersen out of the Indian Premier League, in which he was due to play with the Deccan Chargers.
Pietersen, who will be out for around six weeks after 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 the 30-year-old through the remainder of the World Cup, with Pietersen suggesting that "careful management should see me still play a significant role in the team's campaign". But he complained of soreness after bowling eight overs in the victory against South Africa, having scored just two runs opening the batting.
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.
