MUMBAI: The decision by UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to charge England’s star all rounder Ben Stokes with affray over a fight outside a Bristol nightclub last year has complicated matters for the IPL teams ahead of next weekend’s player auctions.
The 26-year-old, named player of last year’s IPL, and two men from Bristol are due to appear before magistrates at a future date.
After being charged, Stokes stated: “I am keen to have the opportunity to clear my name.”
Meanwhile, the ECB says it will convene within 48 hours to decide on Stokes’ availability to represent England.
Affray is a triable either-way charge, which means the case can ultimately be heard in either the magistrates’ court or the crown court, BBC reports.
The ECB had already announced Stokes would be allowed to participate in the IPL, which begins on April 4. However his involvement has been complicated by the likelihood of an impending trial.
Stokes is expected to fetch a huge price at the auction on January 27-28, having set the record of Rs 145 million among international players when he was signed by the Rising Pune Supergiants last year. He has been placed at the maximum reserve price of Rs 20 million for this year’s auction.
Ben Stokes’ statement:
“I want to thank all those who have continued to support me in relation to the Bristol incident, not least my family, friends, fans and team-mates.
“I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one – the same day as the incident – and have cooperated at each step of the police inquiry.
“I am keen to have an opportunity to clear my name but, on advice, the appropriate time to do this is when the case comes to trial.
“The CPS’ decision to charge me, as well as Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, at least means that my account of what happened that night can come out in court and be made public.
“Until then, my focus is very much on cricket.”
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