ICC demands answer from ECB over releasing Ben Stokes' dressing room retirement speech in violation of PMOA protocol

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has written a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over releasing the dressing room video of former captain Ben Stokes' speech during the third and final Test of the series against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

ICC has alleged that making the video public violated the players and match officials' areas (PMOA) protocol for international cricket.

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Stokes announced to his teammates that he will retired after Nottingham Test on Day 4 during the tea break. The video posted on social media at 20:00 IST. 

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Here’s what the Article 2.2.11 of PMOA minimum standards says - 

"Ensure that there are no fixed or temporary video cameras or other recording equipment set up within any dressing room used by the teams for the purposes of broadcasting video or audio footage."

What ICC communicated to ECB earlier?

In its earlier communication to ECB, ICC said that footage shot in the PMOA should be shared only if it does not have the video. Also, the video can be put out only after the end of a match.

What did Stokes say about retirement announcement midway through Test?

"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'," said the all-rounder.

The ICC had contacted ECB on the eve of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final at Lord's, London. ICC chairman Jay Shah met with ECB chief Richard Thompson as well. The ECB is yet to respond to the letter from the ICC.

Who will be England’s next Test captain?

England’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final are slim as they are played seventh on the points table. They not only lost the Test series but were docked 12 points for slow over rate in Stokes’ absence, nullifying the win in Test series opener at Lord’s.

With Stokes retiring, England are expected to make Harry Brook the all-format captain. Stokes backed Brook and the limited-overs captain is keen to take up the role as well. However, ahead of the three-Test series at home against Pakistan, an announcement from the ECB is yet to be made.