Ben Stokes charged with affray over Bristol fight

This file photo taken on September 07, 2017 shows England's Ben Stokes reacting after bowling to West Indies' Roston Chase during the third international Test match between England and West Indies at Lords cricket ground in London. England's cricket all-rounder Ben Stokes charged with affray after a fight outside a Bristol nightclub, the Crown Prosecution Service said on January 15, 2018. Pic/AFP

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been charged with affray over the brawl outside a Bristol nightclub. The incident, which occurred last September on a night out with England teammates during the one-day series against West Indies, also led to the arrest of Stokes. The 26-year-old had to miss the Ashes series after being suspended indefinitely by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) pending the outcome of a police investigation into the incident. Avon and Somerset Police, in an official statement, confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised Stokes to be charged with affray, alongside two other men, reports the Independent.

The statement read, 'Three men have today been charged in connection with an incident of disorder on Queens Road, Bristol on 25 September last year'. 'Having carefully considered the evidence, the CPS has today authorised Ben Stokes, 26, of Durham, Ryan Ali, 28 and Ryan Hale, 26, both of Bristol, to each be charged with one count of affray', it further read.

The three will now have to appear before the Bristol Magistrates' Court at a date yet to be confirmed. Stokes, however, was recently given a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the ECB allowing him to play for Canterbury in New Zealand. The former vice-captain was also given thumbs up to enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) draft, though was ruled out of the One Day International (ODI) squad against Australia.

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