England’s men’s team have introduced tougher alcohol and curfew rules for players, including Ben Stokes, following a nightclub controversy that also involved Gus Atkinson. The changes ban drinking on match days and the day before or after, and clarify a midnight curfew that was previously unclear.
The new policy was first reported by The Telegraph and confirmed by BBC Sport. It comes after Stokes and Atkinson were at a London nightclub into the early hours of 18 June, when a security staffer was struck by a Saracens rugby player. Both were made unavailable for England’s second Test against New Zealand.
What happened?
England’s updated rules now advise players to avoid alcohol on the day before, during, and the day after matches. The guidance extends to the day after a Test finishes, even if it runs the full five days. The midnight curfew applies every day of a series, home or away, and was introduced after off-field issues during the Ashes.
Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, said Atkinson was unaware the curfew was even in place. The incident added to pressure to tighten rules that had been brought in for white-ball teams in January, before the T20 World Cup.
Why it matters for Ben Stokes
Stokes, England’s captain, is now subject to these stricter guidelines. The rules aim to remove ambiguity around the curfew and alcohol use, which became a factor in the Stokes-Atkinson case. Head coach Brendon McCullum and Key can still relax the rules for celebrations or traditions, like end-of-series drinks with the opposition.
Players were allowed to drink after England’s third Test win over New Zealand at Trent Bridge, the day Stokes announced his international retirement. The new rules apply only to players, not staff, and any drinking must not happen in public.
What comes next?
The changes follow a string of off-field incidents, including Harry Brook being punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington and Ben Duckett filmed drunk in Noosa during the Ashes. England’s hierarchy now has clearer tools to manage player behavior, but retains flexibility for special occasions.
McCullum and Key will decide when to relax the rules. That could mean allowing a celebratory drink after a big win or a series-ending toast. The policy is designed to balance discipline with the realities of professional sport.