Ben Stokes talks about the relationship between alcohol and cricket

In an interview granted to BBC Sport, England cricket captain Ben Stokes tackled a topic that often sparks controversy behind the scenes: alcohol consumption within cricket culture. According to the athlete, drinking is part of the sport’s tradition, but he made clear he does not believe the team he led has a dependence problem.

A historic habit

Cricket, played mainly in Commonwealth countries, has roots that go back to the 19th century, when matches lasted for days and were accompanied by moments of camaraderie. At that time, it was common for players and spectators to share alcoholic drinks during breaks between sessions. Over the decades, this practice has become institutionalised as a cultural element, albeit in a more discreet form today.

Stokes' point of view

Stokes acknowledged that throughout his career he has witnessed situations where alcohol was present in dressing rooms, team events and celebrations after major victories. However, he emphasised that, for him, alcohol has not turned into a risk factor or an obstacle to the performance of the England side. "I don’t see an alcohol problem within the group I led," the player said, without going into specific details about individual habits.

Why does the issue still generate debate?

Despite the tradition, alcohol consumption in sport has been criticised, especially when there are reports of excesses that could compromise athletes' health or the image of organisations. In cricket, cases of players who have faced drinking problems have been reported, feeding the perception that alcohol can be a hidden villain. Therefore, statements like Stokes' gain relevance as they try to balance cultural memory with the need for responsibility.

Responsibility and prevention

Even though Stokes does not identify an alcohol problem among his peers, he recognised the importance of wellbeing policies within teams. Most sporting federations have invested in psychological support programmes and guidance on responsible alcohol consumption. These efforts aim to ensure that tradition does not turn into a harmful habit, especially in a high-performance environment.

What does this mean for English cricket?

Stokes' stance can be interpreted as a signal that the drinking culture in cricket is being reassessed in light of contemporary health and professional conduct demands. By stating that his team does not exhibit an alcohol problem, he reinforces the idea that the practice, when moderate, can coexist with sporting discipline. At the same time, it opens space for officials and players to reflect on how to preserve the sport’s roots without compromising athletes’ wellbeing.

In short, Ben Stokes' interview brings to light a historic aspect of cricket that still lingers behind the scenes, while highlighting the need for vigilance and institutional support. The debate continues, but the English captain’s central message is clear: alcohol is part of cricket culture, but it does not have to be a problem for those playing at the highest level.

With information from BBC Sport.