England bowler Stuart Broad has revealed that he was not "deeply involved" in the decision to axe batsman Kevin Pietersen, but has admitted that he was aware of discussions.

The 27-year-old has defended the England and Wales Cricket Board's move to end Pietersen's international career following the Test side's disastrous Ashes whitewash defeat to Australia.

While accusations have been made regarding captain Alastair Cook and wicketkeeper Matt Prior's involvement in the situation, Broad has insisted that the decision was made in the best interests of English cricket.

"I was aware of discussions towards the end of the Australia tour, but not deeply involved," Sky Sports News quotes Broad as saying. "It was a decision made by guys that have the English cricket team in their heart and they want the English cricket team to improve. There's no egos involved in making huge decisions like this."

Pietersen will compete in the Indian Premier League after being picked up by the Delhi Daredevils in last week's auction.