The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has introduced a new set of alcohol-related disciplinary protocols for its players following recent off-field controversies, according to British media reports.
The new guidelines were reportedly issued after the incident involving England Test captain Ben Stokes, with players being formally briefed on the updated code of conduct.
Under the revised policy, players will be prohibited from consuming alcohol on the day after a match. The existing midnight curfew will also remain in place, and any player wishing to stay outside the team hotel after 10:00 pm must inform team management or security staff.
British media reported that players will not be allowed to appear intoxicated in public, while alcohol consumption will also be banned in public areas of the team hotel.
The new rules further prohibit players from posting alcohol-related content on social media. ECB Managing Director Rob Key has reportedly signed off on the updated disciplinary protocols.
The move comes after recent criticism surrounding Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, while Harry Brook was also involved in an alcohol-related altercation in November last year, prompting the board to tighten its code of conduct.
Earlier, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) cleared Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson following its investigation into the nightclub incident.
The ECB’s disciplinary panel found that Stokes was not involved in the altercation, while Atkinson was reportedly attacked but did not retaliate. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing in the fight, both players have been warned for breaching team rules and contractual obligations.
However, the board has issued warnings to both players for breaching team disciplinary rules and contractual obligations. Ben Stokes will return to lead England in the third Test against New Zealand, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson has also been included in the squad.
Following the nightclub incident, the ECB dropped Ben Stokes from the second Test against New Zealand and appointed Joe Root as captain. The all-rounder had been under investigation for his alleged involvement in a nightclub altercation and for violating the team’s curfew, while Atkinson was also left out of the second Test squad.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said that Ben Stokes should not be stripped of the captaincy as punishment for the nightclub incident.
Also read: Ben Stokes set to return as ECB closes nightclub investigation
