In a major setback at commercial front, England cricketer Ben Stokes has lost his sponsorship contract with sportswear giant New Balance following his arrest outside a nightclub which also left his Ashes series in doubt.
“New Balance does not condone behaviour by our global athletes that does not match our brand culture and values, and therefore we have ended our relationship with Ben Stokes, effective October 11, 2017,” the company said, in a statement which was widely reported by British media.
The England Cricket Board (ECB) has already pulled out his name from Ashes squad and have announced that he will not travel with the team which is set to depart for Australia on October 28.
Though there is a possibility as of now that Stokes may join the team later depending on the outcome of the police investigation. It seems highly unlikely that the case might get resolved by then as Avon and Somerset police have denied to prioritise it and they are also awaiting key witnesses who are yet to appear.
