Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
England cricket alcohol ban measures have been tightened after the men’s team received new behaviour guidance following a difficult Ashes campaign in Australia and further curfew controversy during the home series against New Zealand.
The Daily Telegraph reported that players have been told not to drink alcohol on the day before, during, or the day after matches, with the rules applying at home and on tour.
For more cricket coverage, read Big Bash League India Opener Sends Perth Scorchers To Chennai For Historic Clash.
New Rules Follow Recent Discipline Issues
A midnight curfew was brought in after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, a series that was followed by questions about team culture.
The rules came back into focus during England’s recent 2-1 home series defeat to New Zealand, when Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were left out of the second Test at The Oval after breaking curfew at a London nightclub.
There had been confusion over whether the curfew still applied once a match had finished.
The updated guidance makes clear that the midnight cut-off is active every day of a series.
McCullum And Key Retain Discretion
The new advice also states players must not appear in public under the influence of alcohol.
They are also told not to post social media content involving “alcohol-related material or activities”.
Players must inform team management or security if they are outside the hotel after 10pm, including any change of plan.
Head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key can still relax the guidance when they feel it is suitable.
That leaves room for players to celebrate wins or take part in traditions such as an end-of-series drink with the opposition.
The rules apply only to England senior men’s teams. England women do not have formal alcohol rules.
More official team information is available through the England and Wales Cricket Board.
