The former England international had been edging towards retirement for quite some time and made his decision clear through an Instagram post.
The 37-year-old played in 104 Tests for England and scored 23 hundreds, while amassing 8,181 Test runs.
Pietersen though, had become a T20 specialist over the last few years, and played an integral part in franchise cricket mainly for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL.
And while an eventful career comes to an end, stars from all around the globe congratulated Pietersen on his successful journey.
Congratulations on a great career, @KP24. You’ve been a delight to watch! Your second innings journey has just begun. Wishing you all the very best. pic.twitter.com/CTkBn2xXsq
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 19, 2018
I guess my #BringBackKP campaign is now officially retired too.
Kevin Pietersen was the best England batsman I’ve seen.
Though only the 2nd best to play at @NewickCC, as this picture confirms.
You were treated disgracefully @KP24 – but genius always annoys mediocre dullards. pic.twitter.com/dD3i3Xw6id— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 17, 2018
You will be missed @KP24
Great career!!
Thank you for everything. Wish you could stayed with us till PSL final but we respect your decision. pic.twitter.com/J84LYVNHgd— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) March 17, 2018
Well done @KP24 on an fantastic career … Not everyone’s Cup of Tea but you will do for me … Best Batsman I had the pleasure to play with … 1st England batsman that put fear into the Aussies .. #WellDone
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 16, 2018
Well done Kidda 👋👋👋👋what a career 🏏
— Darren Gough (@DGoughie) March 16, 2018
Congratulations on a outstanding career @KP24 Happy retirement mate!! https://t.co/tOQsyhs6V9
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 18, 2018
Well done mate..👊https://t.co/YUGSisOpx1
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) March 17, 2018
Thank you to @KP24 for all the entertainment. You were a special player. Your century in Mumbai is part of folklore. Wish you well.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 17, 2018
Thank you @KP24! pic.twitter.com/qzSbEPfCMJ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 17, 2018
Congratulations @KP24 on a fantastic career… best player I was fortunate to play with & for me, the best batsman ever to play for England!!
— Stephen Harmison (@Harmy611) March 17, 2018
With @KP24 retiring, its an end of an era! I am honoured and glad to have had a chance to share the dressing room with him. Learned alot from this legend and will always cherish the experience of playing along side him #TOPLADpic.twitter.com/w1LnCBgah9
— Hassan Khan (@16hassankhan) March 17, 2018
..@KP24 it was a pleasure playing against you most of the time and with you with @stluciazouks.. All the best in your future endeavours champ..👐👐
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 16, 2018
Thanks for the memories, @KP24🙌pic.twitter.com/1P95xpkuJJ
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) March 18, 2018
Congratulations @KP24 for your wonderful career and thanks for the great entertainment everywhere .it would be a honoured and proud moment to bowle to you but couldn’t happened. Have a bright and successful future ahead 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻#Legend@KP24
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) March 18, 2018
Well done @KP24 on such a brilliant career!!! You have entertained millions of fans with your incredible talent! Best of luck for your future endeavours 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) March 16, 2018
Congratulations @KP24 on having a career built around big ambitions n hi level achievements. Cricket will miss ur presence on the field 4 sure 😘pic.twitter.com/sIXInYIQTL
— Ahmad Shahzad (@iamAhmadshahzad) March 17, 2018
Congrats on a phenomenal career, @KP24 !1 of England, legend! All the best on your next venture! You did light up the park wherever you played-your best cricketing moment was when you get the chance to open the batting with me, thank Piers for that! #Blessed#Peter#Champion👊🏿pic.twitter.com/T9cbakJDzi
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) March 17, 2018
What a career @KP24! Really enjoyed playing with and against you. I hope you hit those disgusting rhino poachers for a 6! #SORAI
— Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) March 17, 2018
Congrats @KP24 on an unreal career. One of the very best to watch. Great to share some amazing cricketing moments with you on and off to pitch. Good luck on the next chapter. 👍 pic.twitter.com/pzTOu65grl
— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) March 17, 2018