No action will be taken against England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in their role in the London nightclub incident, the Cricket Regulator, an independent investigating body from the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has declared. The report suggested that there was insufficient evidence to state that the players had breached protocol.

Severe repurcussions

The duo was dropped from the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, following the incident at the nightclub where one member of the England contingent was believed to be involved in an altercation with a Saracens rugby player. This incident happened after England’s comprehensive win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

The ECB also confirmed that both players had received written warnings, but were not blamed for the violence that ensued. While Stokes was present during the altercation, Atkinson, on the other hand, did not retaliate despite being subjected to unprovoked attacks.

Cricket Regulator’s verdict

“Having carefully reviewed all currently available information, the Cricket Regulator has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish that any regulatory breach occurred,” the regulator said on Monday.

“Accordingly, no further action will be taken against either player.”

Both Stokes and Atkinson have been included in the third Test, scheduled to be played at Trent Bridge on June 25 (Thursday). The three-match series is currently level at 1-1.

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