Monday 2 October 2017 20:42, UK
Durham have distanced themselves from the allegations surrounding Ben Stokes after revealing they would not be conducting an investigation into their all-rounder's arrest.
Stokes is under police investigation on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm after being arrested in the early hours of September 25 during a night out in Bristol.
England have since suspended the centrally-contracted Stokes and cricket director Andrew Strauss has handed the reins to the Cricket Discipline Commission to conduct an internal disciplinary procedure following police inquiries.
Durham said in a short statement on their website: "Following last week's reported incidents involving Ben Stokes, Durham County Cricket Club would like to make it clear that the club does not condone discriminatory behaviour or prejudice of any nature.
"As Ben is centrally contracted to the ECB they, as well as the police, are conducting a thorough investigation and we will allow them to continue with their process. We will be making no further comment at this time."
Stokes featured once for Durham in the recently-concluded county championship campaign, due to his commitments with first Rising Pune Supergiant, as the Indian Premier League's most expensive overseas player, and then England this summer.
