New Delhi, June 22: England’s captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson will not face any further action following a recent investigation. The cricket regulatory body confirmed this decision on Monday, providing significant relief to both players. The ruling comes after a review of events from June 7-8, which found insufficient evidence to warrant action.
The independent body, adhering to the regulations of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), reported that their thorough investigation into the players’ involvement in a pub altercation revealed no violations of any rules.
It is important to note that Stokes and Atkinson were previously excluded from the recently concluded second Test match due to a breach of team protocols. In Stokes’ absence, experienced batsman Joe Root captained the team, which ultimately suffered a 253-run defeat against New Zealand.
England had claimed victory in the first Test match at Lord’s by 115 runs before both players became embroiled in the nightclub incident on June 8, which also involved a rugby player from Saracens Academy.
In a statement released on Monday, the cricket regulator announced, “The investigation into the events involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson from June 7-8 has been completed. The role of the regulator is to determine whether any participant or player has breached the ECB’s applicable cricket rules. Various inquiries were conducted to gather and assess evidence regarding the related incidents.”
The statement further added, “After a careful review of all available information, the cricket regulator has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to confirm any rule violations. Therefore, no further action will be taken against either player. The regulator wishes to thank all those involved for their cooperation during the investigation.”
With the independent investigation formally closed, both Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been cleared of any allegations of rule violations, thus eliminating the uncertainty surrounding the June incident.
Following the nightclub controversy, both players were initially dropped from their respective county championship teams, Durham and Surrey. However, they are now set to return to the field for England in the third and decisive Test match against New Zealand, scheduled to take place at Trent Bridge starting June 25.
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