Broad 'misses launch after drinking with Flintoff, Prior'

English cricket continues to lurch from one disaster to another after Stuart Broad reportedly missed a sponsor’s engagement following an all-night drinking session with two former teammates.

Broad is an ambassador for sponsors Investec and did not show up for the company’s launch for England’s series against New Zealand.

A receptionist at the London hotel Broad was staying in said the fast bowler did not return home until 7am and was not in a fit state to attend the launch hours later.

It is believed he was drinking with Andrew Flintoff and former wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Former all-rounder Flintoff tweeted about the trio’s night out but later deleted the post.

Broad’s agent Neil Fairbrother told the sponsors Broad was feeling unwell and had a migraine, with batsman Ian Bell filling in for the fast bowler at the launch.

"Stuart Broad was scheduled to appear as an ambassador for a personal sponsor but was unable to attend. We were told it was due to illness," an England Cricket Board (ECB) spokeswoman said.

The reported incident is the latest PR disaster for the ECB, who have come under fire for its continued snub of Kevin Pietersen.

England play New Zealand in a two-Test series in June before facing Australia in the Ashes series starting on July 8.