Ben Stokes, Alex Hales fined but cleared for England selection
Stokes and Hales were charged with "two breaches of ECB Directive 3.3" with both admitting each charge, but now have been cleared by the CDC to play for England with immediate effect
In a massive relief for England cricket players Stokes and Hales and England fans, the England and Wales Cricket Board's Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) Disciplinary Panel announced its decisions in cases brought against them.
The duo that was charged with "two breaches of ECB Directive 3.3" with both admitting each charge, have been cleared to play for England with immediate effect.
The CDC, which is expected to announce its decisions on Friday, is responsible for all aspects of discipline covered by the ECB's rules, regulations and directives.
"We accept the decisions made by the Cricket Discipline Commission and the sanctions they have given to Alex Hales and Ben Stokes. Each pleaded guilty, admitted their charges and has accepted their sanctions. They will now be available to play for England, with the same support as all of our players," Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the ECB said in a media statement.
"Today is a very strong reminder of the values that sit at the heart of our game and the standards that should always be expected."
Stokes and Hales both took to Twitter to issue a public apology.
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) December 7, 2018
— Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) December 7, 2018