The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is investigating an incident involving England Test captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Gus Atkinson after their team’s 115-run win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.
This incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 8, at a nightclub. The ECB stated that it will look into a breach of team protocols and is gathering more details regarding the situation.
The ECB also suggested potential changes to the squad ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, starting on June 17 at the Oval.
“The ECB is investigating a breach of team protocols following the first Men’s Test against New Zealand. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were at a nightclub on Monday morning during an incident. We are currently gathering more information and will make a squad announcement for the second Test in due time. The Cricket Regulator has been notified, and we will provide updates when available,” said the ECB in a statement.
After England’s win in the first Test, Stokes expressed his desire to enjoy a beer with his teammates in celebration. Following the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia, England set a midnight curfew for players and staff due to concerns about off-field behavior.
Ben Stokes’ past controversies
Earlier, Harry Brook faced fines and a reprimand for a late-night incident with a bouncer, while Jacob Bethell received a warning for his actions. Ben Duckett was also in the spotlight after a fan recorded him heavily intoxicated during England’s mid-series break in Noosa.
This is not Stokes’ first off-field issue. He was involved in a late-night fight after an ODI in Bristol in 2017, leading to a fine and a back-dated suspension for bringing the sport into disrepute, as determined by the ECB’s cricket discipline commission.