England opener Alex Hales will not be part of his national team's squad that travels to Dublin for Friday's one-off ODI against Ireland.
It was confirmed on the official ECB website on Monday that the Nottinghamshire batsman has been withdrawn from all international squads.
“We have thought long and hard about this decision," commented Ashley Giles, the ECB managing director of England Men's Cricket.
"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."
The Guardian newspaper in England reported on Friday that Hales is serving a 21-day ban from cricket for recreational drug use but the ECB has left the door open for the 30-year-old to return.
“I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex’s career as an England player," added Giles.
"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.”
Alex Hales's management team hit back
Hales's management team released a statement expressing their disappointment that the "confidential matter" regarding their client was made "public" and hit back at the ECB over the decision to freeze him out.
"The ECB insisted on Alex taking certain rehabilitation measures following his suspension...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.
“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 ICC Cricket World Cup, hosted by England and Wales, begins on May 30.
Meanwhile, wicket-keeper Gary Wilson is back in the Ireland squad for the meeting with England at Malahide after he recovered from an eyesight problem.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
