The England and Wales Cricket Board is considering a possible total ban on alcohol for England cricketers while they are on international duty, following a nightclub incident in Chelsea that has led to Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson being dropped from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand. ECB managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key says the board needs time to decide what disciplinary response is appropriate and that it is now difficult to be confident players will consistently behave responsibly. Key said the players broke a midnight curfew and were allegedly caught up in a fight early on Monday morning, though reports cited by outlets indicate there is no suggestion either man was an active aggressor. Key also indicated that initial findings suggest Stokes and Atkinson were “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and appeared to be on the receiving end of other people’s behaviour. Media reports also describe the ECB’s wider frustration after multiple incidents involving England players over the past several months. Stokes’ captaincy status remains uncertain as the ECB reviews the situation, including whether further consequences beyond team selection are needed.