BIG BLOW !!! PLAYER OUT FROM THE WORLD CUP SQUAD !!!

Recently, England Player Alex Hales who was named in the preliminary squad for the World Cup was given a ban for 21 days for using recreational drugs.

Now, the England Cricket Board has announced that they have withdrawn Alex Hales from the preliminary squad ahead of the World Cup to avoid unnecessary distractions.

Ashley Giles, the Managing Director of England Cricket said that "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 (Professional Cricketers' Association) will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfill his potential as a professional cricketer."

Soon, a replacement will be named for the series against Ireland and Pakistan.