Joe Root has scrapped the midnight curfew imposed on England’s men’s cricket teams, ending a policy that lasted just seven months. The decision arrives days before Root leads the Test side against Pakistan at Headingley, marking his return to the captaincy after a gap of several years.
The curfew was introduced in January following a string of late-night incidents during England’s tours of New Zealand and Australia. Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, and opener Ben Duckett was filmed appearing drunk during England’s break in Noosa in the middle of the Ashes series. Those episodes pushed the England and Wales Cricket Board to set stricter rules around player behaviour off the field.
Stokes Nightclub Incident Triggered Fresh Scrutiny
Matters escalated further during the home summer. After England beat New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s, then-captain Ben Stokes broke curfew at a London nightclub. A member of England’s security staff was assaulted by a rugby player during the same night out, and Stokes along with bowler Gus Atkinson missed the second Test while the incident was reviewed. Both were cleared of wrongdoing, but the fallout continued. Stokes returned for the third Test at Trent Bridge and announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the match.
Director of cricket Rob Key had gone as far as considering a full alcohol ban for the squad in the aftermath. Former coach Brendon McCullum later acknowledged confusion over how the curfew and drinking guidelines had been explained to players, and updated rules were sent out last month covering both areas.
SUGGESTED READ: Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson Return to England Squad After Written Warnings
Root Says Players Should Be Treated as Adults
Speaking to Sky Sports, Root confirmed there would be no curfew under his leadership and said he did not want the issue to become a distraction. He argued that professional cricketers should be given the trust to manage their own behaviour rather than follow a fixed bedtime, adding that the team needs to “self-police well” alongside new head coach Stephen Fleming.
Fleming replaces McCullum as Test coach but will not be present for the Pakistan series, with Marcus Trescothick stepping in as interim coach. Root has managed a curfew reversal before. One was introduced during his first spell as captain between 2017 and 2022, lifted when Stokes took charge, then brought back this year before now being dropped again.
The white-ball side, led by Brook and still coached by McCullum, will also drop the curfew despite no leadership change there. The ECB confirmed the move in a statement, noting that Root and Fleming are shaping their own approach to team standards and culture, and that players will be given clear expectations before the series begins.
ALSO READ: Joe Root’s Unbeaten 58 Guides Welsh Fire to Win Over Birmingham Phoenix
New Guidelines Still Discourage Drinking Around Matches
While the curfew itself has gone, other restrictions remain. Players are still advised against drinking on the day before, during, or the day after a match, and any drinking in that window should stay out of public view. The guidance also discourages private drinking during this period to protect recovery and preparation.
These rules apply only to the senior men’s teams. The women’s side, along with the Lions and age-group squads, follow separate guidelines, and England women currently have no formal alcohol policy in place.
Visit JeetWin Sports for the latest cricket news and updates.
