Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson being investigated over nighclub ‘incident’

2 min readUpdated: Jun 8, 2026 11:08 PM IST

ECB said that it will make an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test in its statement on Stokes and Atkinson. (AP Photo)

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Monday that it is investigating captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson over an undisclosed “incident” in a “nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning”. ECB said that it was investigating  “a breach of team protocols” in the hours after England beat New Zealand by 115 runs in the first Test at Lord’s.

“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place,” said the board in a statement on Monday

“We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course. The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible.”

The development comes months after England’s off-field behaviour came under heavy scrutiny during their tours of New Zealand and Australia late last year. England were accused of having a “drinking culture” in their dressing room, with their behaviour during a controversial mid-series break during a rather disastrous Ashes in Australia especially coming under scrutiny.

It later emerged that England’s limited-overs captain Harry Brook was involved in an incident in a nightclub during the tour of New Zealand that happened before the Ashes. The fact that the incident had happened on the night before the third match of a series that England had already lost 2-0 and went on to be swept clean 3-0 only added more fuel to the fire.

More to come…