English all-rounder Ben Stokes joins NZ side Canterbury

Controversial English all-rounder Ben Stokes was on Thursday signed by New Zealand's Canterbury Cricket Association as their overseas player.

English all-rounder Ben Stokes joins NZ side Canterbury Images ()

"He is a brilliant all-round player and we are really pleased to have secured one of the world's best players in our domestic competition. His experience will be invaluable to our young cricketers as we look defend our Ford Trophy title and improve performances in the Burger King Super Smash," he added.

The 26-year-old all-rounder was stood down from playing international cricket as the ECB awaits the decision of the Avon and Somerset police on whether he will be charged for his involvement in a fracas outside a Bristol nightclub, which occurred in September. 

On Wednesday, the police said they had completed their investigation into the incident and had passed on a file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for advice on whether Stokes should be charged.