The England and Wales Cricket Board has introduced new alcohol guidelines for England men's players following an incident involving Ben Stokes earlier this summer. The rules advise against drinking the day after a match and reinforce a midnight curfew.
Background of the Incident
After the first Test against New Zealand, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson stayed out past midnight at Rex Rooms on King’s Road in west London, violating a curfew introduced after the Ashes series. A Saracens academy rugby player attacked Atkinson, injuring security guard James Shaw. Stokes and Atkinson were subsequently dropped for the second Test.
Details of the New Guidelines
Managing director Rob Key updated the alcohol policy, sharing it with players between the first and second Tests. The policy applies to all home series and tours. Key points include:
- Players cannot appear under the influence of alcohol in public.
- No social media posts about alcohol-related material or activities.
- Team management or security must be informed if players are out of the hotel after 10pm.
Specific Restrictions
A second section states: “In addition, from the day before the start of any match until the end of the day after that match has finished.” It recommends that no alcohol be consumed. Players cannot drink in public unless specifically approved by Key or head coach Brendon McCullum. Drinking in private is “strongly discouraged” as “preparation, recovery and professionalism must take priority.”
Impact on Players
The rules aim to “protect the players, the reputation both of cricket in England and Wales and the ECB, and to optimise player performance.” Stokes retired from international cricket after returning for the third Test.
