4 min learnJul 8, 2026 10:56 PM IST
The Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) has contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over the timing and method of Ben Stokes’ retirement announcement in the course of the third Check towards New Zealand at Trent Bridge final month, in keeping with a BBC report.
The report mentioned the ICC’s letter was despatched on the eve of the Ladies’s T20 World Cup last at Lord’s, the place ECB chair Richard Thompson met ICC chairman Jay Shah. The ECB is but to formally reply.
Stokes’ resolution to retire from worldwide cricket was made public on the fourth day of the Trent Bridge Check whereas the match was nonetheless in progress. The previous England captain had knowledgeable his teammates of his resolution earlier than play started that morning in an tackle contained in the dressing room, which was filmed by the ECB.
One in every of England’s all-time biggest captains, Ben Stokes, has determined to retire from worldwide cricket on the finish of this Check match.
Ben, you’ve been probably the most inspirational captain, chief and legend this crew might have ever hoped for.
We love you a lot and want you… pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026
The footage, that includes each video and audio of Stokes addressing the squad, was launched at 15:25 native time, shortly earlier than the tea interval. It was shared with broadcasters and throughout social media platforms in the course of the day’s play.
The ICC alleged that publishing the footage earlier than the conclusion of the Check breached its minimal requirements governing Gamers’ and Match Officers’ Areas (PMOA) at worldwide matches.
The governing physique’s letter reportedly cites Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA laws, which requires nationwide cricket boards to “make sure that there are not any fastened or non permanent video cameras or different recording gear arrange inside any dressing room utilized by the groups for the needs of broadcasting video or audio footage.”
The report added that the ICC had beforehand communicated to members that any footage captured contained in the PMOA shouldn’t embrace audio or be launched earlier than the tip of a match.
Talking after stumps on the fourth day, Stokes mentioned the timing of the announcement had been coordinated between his administration crew and the ECB.
Story continues beneath this advert
“I simply mentioned, ‘You guys work with Michael Lumb and Neil Fairbrother, who work with me, and also you guys simply provide you with a plan,’” Stokes mentioned.
Paradoxically, Stokes was in the midst of a bowling spell when information of his retirement broke. His very first supply after the announcement resulted within the wicket of New Zealand batter Zak Foulkes. New Zealand accomplished victory the next day and received the collection 2-1, bringing Stokes’ worldwide profession to an finish.
The PMOA laws have been launched by the ICC primarily to strengthen the game’s anti-corruption framework by safeguarding dressing rooms and different restricted areas throughout worldwide fixtures.
Neither the ECB nor the ICC has publicly commented on the matter.
Story continues beneath this advert
Stokes’ retirement has additionally left England looking for a brand new Check captain forward of the three-match collection towards Pakistan in August. Vice-captain Harry Brook has mentioned it might be an “honour” to steer the aspect, and thereby take up the twin accountability of captaining each the red-ball and white-ball groups.