Hales' management company claims it was given assurances his World Cup involvement would not be in doubt
Tuesday 30 April 2019 06:04, UK
Alex Hales' management company says it is "hugely disappointed" following the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to withdraw the batsman from its provisional World Cup squad.
Hales was included in the 15-man preliminary squad but it emerged on Friday he had been sanctioned under the ECB's disciplinary policy for a second time.
He was banned from cricket for 21 days for recreational drug use, Sky Sports News understands.
Hales' management company, the 366 Group, said: "We are hugely disappointed at the treatment of our client, Alex Hales, by the ECB following his ejection from England's preliminary World Cup squad.
"Nobody is seeking to excuse Alex's behaviour in this instance. He absolutely acknowledges and recognises he made a huge mistake.
"But as part of the ongoing process, both he and his representatives have been involved in many conversations with senior members of the ECB over the past few weeks where Alex has apologised profusely for his actions.
"The ECB insisted on Alex taking certain rehabilitation measures following his suspension. In line with both the ECB and PCA guidelines, those measures must remain confidential.
"However, at every stage, Alex fulfilled his obligations and both he and his representatives were given assurances that any suspension - again under the ECB's guidelines - could not affect his selection for the World Cup.
"It is unfortunate that a confidential matter made it to the public arena but, even before the publication of the story, Alex had again spoken to key members of the England organisation to express his regret and contrition. At that time, he again took away the message his World Cup place would be judged on playing merit.
"The fact all those assurances seem to have been rendered meaningless has understandably left Alex devastated. He will take time to reflect on both his actions and the subsequent decisions but will receive the support from his team he deserves.
"Until the matter became public, the ECB had fully observed their own process and guidelines and given Alex the support and guidance laid out in those regulations.
"It is now disappointing to learn these guidelines seem to have been disregarded while, in this instance, player welfare would also appear to be low on their list of priorities.
"While Alex is hurt, the ECB's decision does not dilute his commitment to the game and he will continue to give everything to Nottinghamshire's cause. He would also like to wish England team-mates well for the World Cup."
The Nottinghamshire batsman will not travel to Ireland for a one-off ODI on Friday in Malahide and has also been removed from England's squad for the Vitality IT20, the Royal London ODI series against Pakistan and the preliminary ICC Men's Cricket World Cup squad.
Ashley Giles, ECB managing director of England Men's cricket, said the decision was "in the best interests" of the side to ensure "there are no unnecessary distractions" heading into a "crucial period".
