JUST IN: Ben Stokes charged for nightclub brawl, could miss IPL

Ben Stokes’ night brawl incident has stretched a little far than he would have expected, but the Bristol Magistrates’ Court has come out with the judgement today, charging Stokes of ‘affray’ by the Crown Prosecution Service for the nightclub brawl that took place outside the Bristol Night club just before the Ashes.

Stokes along with two men have been charged fighting in a public place and disturbing peace and will appear before the Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a future date.

Ben Stokes was withdrawn from the Ashes by the ECB pending police clearance, but because of the charges put against him, it seems as if he could miss the ODI and T20 series against England, along with the cash rich IPL.

With the IPL auction scheduled to be held on the 27th and 28th of January, it seems like Ben Stokes will not be cleared for the IPL this season.

Moreover, with such a huge cloud hanging over his participation and so much drama happening over his court verdict, a lot of IPL franchises will be circumspect with respect to splashing huge cash on the all-rounder.

“The CPS was passed a file of evidence by Avon and Somerset Police on 29 November in relation to an incident of disorder in Bristol city centre.

“Further material was subsequently received in late December. Following a review of all the available evidence, the CPS has today authorised the police to charge three men with affray in connection with the incident.

“Ben Stokes, 26, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, are all due to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on a date to be fixed in relation to this charge.” said the Crown Prosecution Service.

The IPL is set to begin on the 4th of April, with the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super kings locking horns at the Wankhede for the tournament opener.