The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly questioned the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over anti-corruption protocol breaches. The issue stems from a video filmed inside England's Trent Bridge dressing room during the third Test against New Zealand, where a 35-year-old Ben Stokes emotionally informed his teammates of his decision to retire from international cricket.
Ben Stokes' 'sack him' response after ICC pulls up ECB goes viral
Before the fourth day's play commenced, Stokes delivered a heartfelt speech, urging his side to finish the series with total dedication. However, controversy ignited when the ECB published this footage on day four while the game was still active and Stokes was actively fielding. This timing drew scrutiny from the ICC regarding the minimum standards for Players' and Match Officials' Areas (PMOA), which are strictly enforced to uphold anti-corruption regulations.
When The Telegraph published the report regarding the ICC’s official communication to the ECB, Stokes didn't hold back his trademark humor. Taking to social media platform X, the England all-rounder delivered a tongue-in-cheek, two-word reaction to the unfolding drama, simply writing: "Sack him…"
The retirement drama unfolded rapidly on the pitch as well. Moments after his decision was broadcast to the world, Stokes immediately struck with the ball during his bowling spell. Despite his individual efforts and pre-match rally, England couldn't withstand the visitors, eventually collapsing to a 160-run defeat as New Zealand clinched a 2-1 series victory.
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What does the rule say?
According to Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA standards, member boards are strictly prohibited from setting up any fixed or temporary recording equipment inside team dressing rooms for broadcasting purposes. In alignment with these anti-corruption guidelines, the ICC formally reminded the ECB that any footage captured within these restricted zones must remain completely silent and cannot be made public until the match has officially concluded.
Despite the mid-game release of the Stokes video violating these specific audio and timing parameters, the situation is not escalating into a formal scandal. Sources indicate that the ICC's communication was intended purely as an administrative reminder of the rules, and the ECB is not expected to face any disciplinary action or penalties for the oversight.