ECB withdraws Alex Hales' name from England's World Cup 2019 squad

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has come down at Alex Hales for failing the drug test for the second time. He was recently banned for 21 days for his second offence in that aspect but was expected to join the World Cup squad for the training camp. However, the ECB Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket and the England National Cricket Selectors have decided to withdraw Hales’ name from all England squads.

ECB issued a statement on its official website and added that the decision was taken in the best interest of the team ahead of the World Cup. Alex Hales will now not play in the one-off ODI against Ireland as well while he won’t be part of England’s ODI team which will face Pakistan in the five matches.

ECB’s Managing Director of cricket Giles comments

Meanwhile, ECB, Managing Director of Cricket Ashley Gils has confirmed that they took the tough decision to keep the spirits in the dressing room high. However, he also stated that Alex Hales’ career is not over by any means and the board will continue to support the cricketer is these tough times.

“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,” Giles said according to the statement released.

ECB will name Hales’ replacement for the Pakistan series in the due course while this also opens up a World Cup spot which is set to be finalised on May 20.

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