Cricket South Africa ends Herschelle Gibbs' contract

The 36-year-old Gibbs was contracted to CSA till end of April 2011 and has represented his country in 90 Test and 248 One-day internationals.

The development came a month after Gibbs released a controversial book -- To the Point -- in which he gave details of sex binges by his team members on Australian tour and alleged that the team was run by a clique of senior players.

He claimed that former national coach Mickey Arthur was controlled by this inner circle of Graeme Smith, Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers.

"It has been decided that this is the best way forward for both parties," CSA CEO Gerald Majola said in a short statement.

"On behalf of CSA I would like to wish Herschelle all the best for his future and to thank him for the contribution he has made to the successes of the Proteas over an extended period of time," Majola added.

"Herschelle represented our country for 14 years with distinction and I don't think any cricket lover will ever forget the magnificent innings he played in the famous 438 game against Australia."

Although CSA has not given any reason for the step but insiders say writing was clear on the wall for Gibbs not only for his poor performance in recent months but also due to the anger he caused among fellow players and within the CSA because of his book.

"Because of the sensitivity of the matter as well as the confidentiality agreements signed between the parties, the matter is now closed and there will be no further comments from the parties concerned," Majola said.

CSA and some of the players mentioned in the book are still taking legal advice on possible action against Gibbs.

But neither CSA nor Gibbs explained what led to the end of his chequered career, that included treatment for alcoholism, highly-publicised tiffs with his former wife and marijuana-smoking during a West Indian tour.

Gibbs had said two months ago that he would work hard to regain his place on the national squad to fulfill his dream of participating in the World Cup, to be hosted in the sub-continent next year.

Gibbs played his last Test in January 2008 against the West Indies at Durban and last ODI against India in February this year at Ahmedabad.