Alcohol ban for England players in ECB crackdown
England men’s cricketers have been told they should not drink alcohol on the day before and after matches, in new guidelines to curb behavioural issues in the team.
Following the 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia in January, that was marred by allegations of excessive drinking, a midnight curfew was placed on the team.
Ben Stokes has endorsed Harry Brook as captain. Getty
However, the team experienced more controversy during their recent 2-1 series defeat at home to New Zealand.
England captain Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket after the series, and Gus Atkinson were both dropped from the second Test team for breaking the curfew at a London nightclub following England’s win in the first Test.
While there were claims some players did not think the curfew applied once a game was over, the Telegraph reports that incident has led to new guidelines being introduced, which include a midnight curfew on every day of a series at home or on tour.
Additionally, no alcohol will be consumed on the day immediately before, during or the day immediately after a match.
Other rules include players cannot appear intoxicated in public, or post on social media about any “alcohol-related material or activities”.
Furthermore, players must inform team management or security if they are out of the hotel after 10pm, including changes of plan.
However, coach Brendan McCullum and director Rob Key can relax the rules at their discretion.
This would allow players to celebrate a win or attend customary end-of-series drinks with the opposition at the end of an Ashes series.
