The ICC has reportedly written a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over Ben Stokes’ retirement video, accusing it of violating its anti-corruption rules. The ICC expressed concern after the ECB released footage of Stokes’ farewell speech from the dressing room during the fourth day of the third Test against New Zealand.
Stokes ended his international career with 11,321 runs and 352 wickets in 279 matches. They won the 2019 ODI World Cup, 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2015 Ashes. Stokes became the second player after Jacques Kallis to complete the Test double of 7,000 runs and 250 wickets, finishing the Test match with 7,273 runs and 252 wickets.
Ben Stokes’ dressing room speech shared on social media
Ben Stokes informed his England teammates about his retirement In the Trent Bridge dressing room before kick-off on Sunday. The ECB later shared the video with broadcasters and posted it on social media at 3:25pm BST, shortly before the tea interval.
Notably, the video has been viewed more than 3.5 million times so far. In his speech, the outgoing captain urged his teammates to give their best during the final two days of the Test match.
He said:
“I know something is going to happen over the next two days, which will be my last two days as your captain, and my last two days as representing England. The only thing I want is for everyone to give it, not just for me, selfishly, but for this team and everything else we’ve got going on.”
ICC accused of violation of dressing room rules
According to a BBC report, the ICC has accused the England and Wales Cricket Board of violating dressing room recording rules by releasing Ben Stokes’ retirement speech before the end of the Test match.
The ICC said the ECB breached Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA Minimum Standards, which prohibits recording and broadcasting audio from team dressing rooms during matches. The governing body had earlier informed the ECB that any dressing room footage could not include audio or be released before the end of the game.
The PMOA rules were introduced to support the ICC’s anti-corruption code and to protect sensitive team areas during international matches. Although the ICC sent a formal letter to the ECB, the report said the board is not expected to face any disciplinary action.
The letter was sent a day before the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s, where ECB President Richard Thompson met ICC President Jay Shah. Neither the ICC nor the ECB have commented publicly on the matter.
England begins search for new test captain
Despite announcing his retirement, Ben Stokes left an impact on the field. After the news became public, he dismissed Jack Foulkes on the first ball of his next over. He received a guard of honor before playing a quickfire innings of 30 runs in 20 balls in England’s second innings.
England ultimately lost the third Test by 160 runs and New Zealand took the series 2–1. The team will now begin preparations for the upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan in August under the leadership of the new captain.
Vice-captain Harry Brook has said it would be an honor to lead England in Tests. However, the ECB is taking its time before naming Stokes’ successor, with head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key expected to play a key role in the decision.
