The England opener Alex Hales who was banned recently for recreational drug use is now dropped from all the England squad, including the preliminary World Cup squad.
Hales is removed from the squad to Ireland, the Vitality T20I, the Royal London ODI series against Pakistan, and the preliminary ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad.
According to an ECB statement:
“Consideration was given to creating the right environment within the team and ensuring that there are no unnecessary distractions and that the team is in the best position to succeed going into this crucial period.”
Hales will not travel to Ireland for a one-off ODI on Friday in Malahide and has also been removed from England’s squad for the Vitality T20I, the Royal London ODI series against Pakistan, and the preliminary ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad.
Commenting on the decision, Ashley Giles, the ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket said:
“We have thought long and hard about this decision. We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch.
I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex’s career as an England player. The ECB and the PCA will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfil his potential as a professional cricketer.”
England will name a replacement for the Royal London ODI series against Pakistan soon.
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