England players advised to avoid alcohol around matches
Under the new code of conduct, England men’s players have been advised to avoid drinking alcohol the day before and the day after matches.
A midnight curfew was introduced following the Ashes tour, which was disrupted by off-field issues, but uncertainties surrounding the curfew were a factor in the nightclub row involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson.
Following this incident, new instructions were given to players in England. Telegram, external.
The updated policy confirms that a midnight curfew applies each day of a series, whether at home or on tour.
It is also recommended not to consume alcohol immediately before, during or the day after the match. For example, if a Test runs for all five days, the recommendation is extended to the next day.
The head coach and director of cricket, in this case Brendon McCullum and Rob Key respectively, have the discretion to relax recommendations as they see fit.
In this way, the hierarchy can allow players the freedom to celebrate wins or maintain traditions, such as having an end-of-series drink with the opposition at the end of the Ashes series.
Players were allowed to drink immediately after the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge to celebrate Stokes’ international retirement.
Recommendations apply only to players, not staff.
If players choose to drink before, during or after a match, this should not be done in public places.
They are also strongly encouraged to drink specifically to aid in preparation, recovery and professionalism.
It has not been confirmed whether the guidelines will apply only to England senior men’s teams or to all England teams, including women’s senior and transitional programmes.
As for the curfew, there are periods when players will naturally leave the England camp, either due to a long gap between matches or due to being released to their county. It is not yet known whether the curfew will continue or not.
