ECB tightens discipline with new curfew and alcohol policy

In a series of interesting events, England's men's cricket team has been introduced with stricter protocols off the field, with players being asked to avoid consuming alcohol even on the day following a match. The move comes as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) aims to maintain discipline within the squad after a series of off-field incidents that drew unwanted attention during recent overseas tours.

New strict guidelines for England cricket team

The updated policy was introduced after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were involved in a nightclub scandal earlier in the summer. Under the new guidelines, the English players will face more clearly defined expectations about curfews, alcohol consumption and off-field behaviour during both domestic assignments and overseas tours.

ALSO READ: Harmanpreet Kaur becomes first Indian to complete rare Lord's record

As per the latest report from The Telegraph, the updated guidelines reveals that midnight curfew will be in force on every day of an England men's home series or overseas tour.

In the wake of Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson's ugly nightclub incident, which exposed loopholes in England's existing curfew policy. The incident took place after England's victory over New Zealand in the first Test, when both players stayed out past midnight at a nightclub in west London. During the incident, a Saracens academy rugby player assaulted Atkinson, while England security guard endured injuries in an attempt to defuse the tension. 

The entire scandal frustrated the team management, it was revealed that Atkinson was unaware the curfew restrictions were still applicable. In an outcome, both Stokes and Atkinson were dropped from the playing XI of the second Test against New Zealand. 

What do the new guidelines say?

In the aftermath of the scandal, England managing director Rob Key gave a thought about imposing a complete alcohol ban before going with a tougher set of behavioural guidelines instead. The updated guidelines, shared with the squad between the first and second Tests, maintain discipline throughout every assignment.

Under the new code of rules, players must follow midnight curfew each day, avoid appearing intoxicated in public and make sure to inform team management or security if they plan to stay out beyond 10 pm or make any changes to their whereabouts.