Ben Stokes talks about the relationship between cricket and alcohol

On August 4, 2026, Ben Stokes, former England captain, said that cricket maintains a historic relationship with alcohol, but that the team does not suffer from a drinking problem. The 35-year-old also confirmed his retirement from international cricket, announced during the third Test of the series against New Zealand.

Stokes announces international retirement

Stokes' decision was made in June, during the final Test of the series against New Zealand, and surprised the sporting landscape. The departure comes after he missed the second Test of the series due to an incident at a London nightclub involving bowler Gus Atkinson.

Cricket and alcohol: a tradition that persists

In an interview on the podcast "For the Love of Cricket", Stokes explained that, although the game has become more professional, the link between cricket and alcohol remains unchanged from clubs to the international level. He said that “cricket has a culture that is associated with alcohol”, but rejected the notion that the England side has a “drinking problem”.

English team's alcohol policy

After the incident involving Stokes and Atkinson, the England board introduced a midnight curfew and advised players to avoid alcohol on the day before and the day after matches. The measure was adopted in response to the observed behaviour, although the policy was not presented as a solution to an alleged alcohol problem.

Stokes' plans for a coaching career

Stokes revealed that he is undertaking level-three coaching certification while still playing, indicating he wants to stay in cricket after ending his playing career. He said he would like to take on the role of England head coach and that he “likes the idea of being in some form of leadership, away from playing”.

Repercussions for England's leadership

England's 2-1 defeat to New Zealand, followed by a 4-1 loss in the Ashes series against Australia, left the country without a Test win since the end of 2024. Joe Root, who had previously captained the side from 2017 to 2022, resumed the captaincy on a permanent basis, working alongside new coach Stephen Fleming, former New Zealand captain. Stokes praised Root’s experience and expressed confidence in the team's future under Fleming’s leadership, noting that the coach always puts the team first.

With information from BBC Sport.