The International Cricket Council (ICC) has accused England of breaching Test cricket’s anti-corruption code by posting a video of Ben Stokes’ retirement announcement in the middle of a match. News of the England legend’s sudden retirement filtered through on the fourth day of the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, leaving the cricket world stunned.
Stokes informed teammates of his shock decision before play began on that Sunday, and his final address was captured on video. The footage of Stokes speaking to his team in the England dressing room was then shared by broadcasters and on social media, shortly before tea on day four.
The ICC has accused England of breaching rules by broadcasting Ben Stokes’ retirement video during the third Test against New Zealand. Pic: Getty
But the ICC has written to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to inform them that the publishing of the footage was a breach of rules. ICC guidelines forbid the broadcasting of any footage filmed in the players’ and match officials’ areas (PMOA) during international contests.
The rules require national cricket federations to “ensure that there are no fixed or temporary video cameras or other recording equipment set up within any dressing room used by the teams for the purposes of broadcasting video or audio footage.” The ECB were also informed that any footage shot in those designated areas must have no audio or be released before the conclusion of a match.
Cricket world stunned as Ben Stokes retires mid-match
The ECB has yet to publicly comment on the situation but does not expect to be punished by the ICC. And Stokes has explained why his retirement announcement was made during play, after revealing the move was discussed between his agents and the ECB beforehand.
“I just said, ‘You guys work with Michael Lumb and Neil Fairbrother, who work with me, and you guys just come up with a plan’,” Stokes said after stumps on day four. The former England captain was in the middle of a bowling spell when news of his retirement broke. And he took the wicket of New Zealand’s Zak Foulkes moments later.
Ben Stokes was given a guard of honour at Trent Bridge after walking out to bat for England for the last time in Test cricket. Pic: Getty
Stokes then opened the batting in England’s second innings and was given a guard of honour, before being dismissed for a quick-fire 30 while chasing 373 for victory. England went on to lose the third Test by 160 runs, as New Zealand claimed a 2-1 series victory.
The 35-year-old Stokes said retirement had been on his mind ever since England’s disastrous Ashes series defeat in Australia. And after battling numerous injuries and off-field controversies over the years, he didn’t have the hunger to play on.
“I gave myself every opportunity to think it was maybe just a blip or that something wasn’t quite right,” he said, before adding that his family convinced him the time was right to retire. “This decision is genuinely the best thing for me right now. I hope it’s the best thing for the team going forward, but it’s what will allow me to keep loving this game that has given me so much.”
with agencies