England captain Kevin Pietersen's attempts to get coach Peter Moores axed may result in his own sacking as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is unhappy with both of them for making a public spectacle of their fallout.
"There is a lot of unhappiness at how this story has come out and Kevin Pietersen's role. It should all have been kept behind closed doors and it has become a very difficult situation for Peter Moores," a ECB management source was quoted as saying by The Sun.
"Things are moving forward and should be resolved by the end of the week. I wouldn't rule out anything," the source added.
The tabloid said Pietersen's public utterances undermining Moores have not gone down too well with the ECB.
"Kevin Pietersen faces growing anger from his bosses at Lord's for the way he has undermined head coach Peter Moores. And the latest twist to the row that has rocked cricket is Moores and England skipper Pietersen could both lose their jobs," the tabloid reported.
"The all-powerful ECB Management Board spoke by conference call last night for the first time since KP's row with Moores became public.
"Hugh Morris, managing director of England cricket, updated them on his investigations during which he has spoken to Moores, Pietersen and several senior players. But it became clear that Pietersen's tactic of attempting to destabilise Moores' authority might have backfired," it added.
Pietersen is due to be back in London on Thursday after a holiday in South Africa and he may find himself replaced by Andrew Strauss as England skipper.
"The England and Wales Cricket Board called an emergency meeting of its executive board on Tuesday night and support has shifted from backing the captain to making changes at the top of the national team's management structure," reported The Telegraph.
"Moores seems certain to lose his job and Pietersen's position is in major jeopardy with Andrew Strauss the most likely candidate to become England's third captain in five months," it added.
Even if Pietersen is not sacked, he is likely to be told that England's results will have to improve for him to keep getting the Board's backing.
"Pietersen will return from his holiday on Thursday and even if he clings on to his job he will be left in no doubt by the ECB that results must improve if he is to lead England during next year's Ashes series.
"He will also be told that he will have no role in the selection of England's next coach with the ECB keen to find a successor to Moores who has the strength of character to control Pietersen.
Pietersen has stated that the atmosphere in the English team is "not healthy" while making it clear that his relationship with Moores has broken down completely.
