Uncertain future ahead as Ben Stokes charged with affray

England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes missed England’s Ashes bus after he was involved in a brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol last year. Australia thrashed Stokes-less visitors 4-0 in the prestigious Test series. The incident took place in September last year and now South Africa born English player has been charged with affray and on a scheduled date of hearing he has been asked to appear in front of Bristol Magistrates’ Court. England opener Alex Hales too was with Ben Stokes during the incident where it was reported that Stokes threw punches towards a man.

The affray charges stamped against his name by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) means that the left-hander might well have to spend days behind the bars. Two others along with Stokes are also charged with the same offence.

Stokes was selected in the ODI squad for the series against Australia but ECB pulled out his name later. After the ODI series against Australia, England are set to play a triangular T20I series involving Australia and New Zealand. England are then scheduled to travel New Zealand in March-April for Test and ODI series. With suspicion around Stokes’ availability, him joining the English side for the coming tours look highly impossible.

Bleak IPL future

Ben Stokes was a hot property in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he became the most expensive overseas player when he was bought by Rising Pune Supergiants. The 11th edition of the IPL sees a full-fledged bidding war as a number of Indian and domestic players are set to go under the bidding hammer. Stokes won the award of the most valuable player of the tournament last year and could’ve been one of the most sought players in the auction which commences on 27th of this month. With him being charged and set to appear in front of the magistrate, the IPL sides will be unsure about the future of the 26-year-old in the tournament.

ECB had earlier allowed Stokes to travel New Zealand to take part in a domestic tournament with the side of Canterbury. He was also cleared by the board to participate in the cash-rich Indian league. But now  ECB might ask Stokes to first get his name clear before participating in any kind of cricketing action.

It seems like the tough time which started for the all-rounder is not going to end soon.

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