Former England captain Ben Stokes responded with humour after the International Cricket Council (ICC) contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over a potential breach of regulations linked to the publication of his retirement announcement during the third Test against New Zealand.
The all-rounder reacted on social media by posting “Sack him” alongside a report detailing the ICC’s concerns after footage of his emotional dressing-room speech was released before the match had concluded.
ICC Questions Timing Of Stokes Retirement Video
Stokes informed his England team-mates of his decision to retire from international cricket before play began on the fourth day at Trent Bridge.
The address was filmed inside the England dressing room, with the footage later released to broadcasters and shared on social media shortly before the tea interval while play was still in progress.
According to the ICC, publishing both the video and audio before the conclusion of the Test may have breached its Players’ and Match Officials’ Areas (PMOA) minimum standards.
Article 2.2.11 states that no fixed or temporary recording equipment should be used inside team dressing rooms for broadcasting purposes. The governing body had also previously instructed the ECB that any footage recorded within the PMOA should neither include audio nor be released until after the match had ended.
ECB Yet To Respond To ICC Letter
Speaking after the fourth day’s play, Stokes explained that the timing of the announcement had been coordinated between his management team and the ECB.
“I just said, ‘You guys work with Michael Lumb and Neil Fairbrother, who work with me, and you guys just come up with a plan,'” Stokes said.
Ironically, Stokes was in the middle of a bowling spell when news of his retirement became public and claimed the wicket of New Zealand’s Zak Foulkes with his first delivery after the announcement spread.
The ICC has not issued any further public comment, while the ECB has yet to respond to the governing body’s letter.
England Continue Search For New Test Captain
Stokes’ retirement has left England searching for a new Test captain ahead of next month’s home series against Pakistan.
Vice-captain Harry Brook has already admitted it would be an “honour” to lead the side, although the ECB is understood to be taking its time before confirming a successor.
The leadership decision comes amid broader discussions over England’s recent Test performances and several off-field issues, with the futures of senior figures in the men’s setup also under review.
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