Canterbury ponders Ben Stokes induction

The Canterbury officials had a long board meeting in Christchurch on Wednesday evening to discuss whether the all-rounder should be allowed to play after obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Ben Stokes arrived in Christchurch on Wednesday.

It looks like Ben Stokes is all set to don the Canterbury colours when the domestic 50-over tournament gets underway on Sunday.

The Canterbury officials had a long board meeting in Christchurch on Wednesday evening to figure out the road ahead. Sportstar has learnt that a decision is imminent on Thursday morning.

Read: Canterbury confirms Stokes approach

In the meeting officials pondered over whether Stokes should be allowed to play after obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Rare opportunity

While Stokes did not attend the meeting, Gary Stead, the Director of Cricket and coach at Canterbury Cricket Association, left the meeting after an hour and a half. "This is an opportunity that does not come too often. If he is available, then let's go for it," Stead told Sportstar . However, an official confirmation will only come on Thursday morning.

Earlier on Wednesday, Stead had told Sportstar that the England all-rounder should be given a look at, if he is available. "Ben is probably the best all-rounder in the world, or is very close to it at the moment. We have a very young side and there are some injury issues," Stead had said.

Sportstar understands that the club might view Stokes as a replacement for batsman Ken McClure, who has stood down from club cricket after pleading guilty in an assault case last week.

With the club looking to make this season an exciting one, it seems Stokes' appearance for the Canterbury is just a matter of time.