Can Ben Stokes play for the full IPL season, and why was Rajasthan Royals all-rounder allowed to return to the England team?
All you need to know about all-rounder Ben Stokes who is facing a trial for affray
BEN STOKES has made his return to the England cricket team.
The Durham all-rounder was suspended indefinitely by the ECB but allowed to return, despite being formally charged with affray.
The Crown Prosecution Service then decided it was in the public interest to refer the case for trial.
Who is Ben Stokes?
Stokes is an England cricketer, who also played for the Durham county team.
He was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, who moved to the UK at a young age.
The Rajasthan Royals star made his debut for England in 2011 in a one-day international against Ireland in August 2011.
He is an all-rounder, which means he can bat high in the order, but also bowls well.
Stokes holds the record for the fastest ever Test double-hundred for England.
Why have the ECB allowed Ben Stokes to return to the England team?
Ben Stokes was banned from the national team while the police were reviewing the case, then curiously allowed to return after it was announced he would go on trial.
The ECB issued a statement justifying their decision.
It said: “Following a full Board discussion, in which all considerations were taken into account, the ECB Board has agreed that Ben Stokes should now be considered for England selection.
“Given the CPS decision to charge him and two others with affray, confirmation of his intention to contest the charge and the potential length of time to trial, the Board agreed that it would not be fair, reasonable or proportionate for Ben Stokes to remain unavailable for a further indeterminate period.
“To date, Stokes has been unavailable for selection throughout the Police and CPS process around the incident in Bristol in September, a period which has included One-Day Internationals against West Indies, the Ashes tour and the start of the ODI series against Australia.
“ECB fully respects the legal process and the player’s intention to defend himself against the charge.
“England Selectors, management and players have been informed and Ben Stokes is expected to join the squad in New Zealand for February’s T20 matches.
“ECB confirmed in December that the independent Cricket Discipline Commission [CDC] would stay the internal disciplinary process for both Alex Hales and Ben Stokes until the conclusion of court proceedings relating to the incident.”
Where is Ben Stokes now?
Ben Stokes is currently playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
Can Ben Stokes play in the full IPL season?
As things stand, Ben Stokes will be available for every IPL match except a potential semi-final and final which will take place at the same time as England play their first test against Pakistan.
If Ben Stokes is summoned for trial he will have to return to the UK, but that is not expected to happen over the course of the coming few weeks when the IPL is held.
