Ben Stokes Likely to Miss New Zealand Tour After Being Charged With Affray

After missing the Ashes and the ODI series against Australia, Ben Stokes is set to miss the upcoming the tour of New Zealand after being charged with affray by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Stokes was provisionally added to England’s Test squad for New Zealand, but after being charged by the CPS, his participation in the two-Test series is under doubt. The 26-year-old English all-rounder and two other men will have to appear before the court on future dates.

Stokes could be imprisoned for up to three years if the English player is found guilty. Stokes was under investigation for causing actual bodily harms to a 27-year-old man outside a bar after England’s win against West Indies in Bristol.

Stokes was arrested by the police next day but was released soon after. Stokes was also included in the Ashes squad but was suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) from representing the side.

Stokes took tom twitter after being charged and wrote a lengthy message of clearing his name in the court. He wrote,

“I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one – the same day as the incident – and have co-operated at each step of the police inquiry. The (Crown Prosecution Service’s) 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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