The ECB have withdrawn Notts batsman Alex Hales from all England squads, including for the World Cup, in what they say is in the "best interests" of the team.
Hales has had a troubled time of late, having been involved in the infamous Ben Stokes incident outside a Bristol nightclub.
The 30-year-old was also reportedly banned from cricket for 21 days for what is believed to have been a drugs test failure for recreational drug use - with a spokesman for the batsman admitting it was right he was suspended.
Now, the ECB have determined that there are too many personal issues surrounding Hales for him to be included in the England squads and have decided to remove him out of the spotlight to avoid any added distractions for the rest of the team.
And ECB statement read: "The decision has been taken by the ECB Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket and the England National Cricket Selectors, having considered what is in the best interests of the England team. Consideration was given to creating the right environment within the team and ensuring that there are no unnecessary distractions and that the team is in the best position to succeed going into this crucial period.
"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, the ECB's managing director of England men’s cricket, said that the decision hadn't been taken lightly.
“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 will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfil his potential as a professional cricketer.”
England will name a replacement for the Royal London ODI series against Pakistan, in due course.
