Ben Stokes says cricket’s relationship with alcohol remains a longstanding part of the sport’s culture, but he argues that this does not necessarily reflect how the England team operates. In comments covered by multiple outlets, Stokes links cricket’s drinking norms to broader traditions that he says have persisted since at least the 1980s, even as the game becomes more professional.
The remarks come amid disciplinary issues involving England players breaching team curfew rules. Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson are reported to have faced suspension after a late-night outing that violated curfew arrangements. Following the incident, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reported to have introduced or tightened alcohol-related guidelines for England players.
Wisden also reports Stokes’ position that allegations about a “drinking culture” should be separated from the idea that the England squad itself broadly disregards rules. Overall, the sources describe a debate about how ingrained alcohol-related habits are across cricket, set against concrete disciplinary action and updated ECB guidance for England players.
