The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is considering imposing a complete alcohol ban on players while they are on international duty, following a nightclub incident involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Multiple reports say ECB managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key says the board needs time to decide the most appropriate response as it reviews the circumstances and recent conduct issues. Key acknowledges that it has become “hard to say” players can demonstrate consistent responsibility, and he says ECB officials were “in shock” after the incident. Stokes and Atkinson are reported to have broken a midnight curfew and to have been involved in an altercation after midnight, although there is no suggestion from reporting that they were active participants in any fight. Both players are also reported to have been dropped from the England squad for the next Test against New Zealand. Reports also note that Key has not ruled out further disciplinary actions, including the possibility of changing captaincy, as questions remain about Stokes’ future role.