England are set to name their team for the second test against the Black Caps in the next day, and early indications suggest Stokes is highly unlikely to be included, having reportedly asked for space and time to consider his future.
As Stokes reportedly considers his future, the team announcement could be delayed.
Speaking on Ryan Bridge TODAY, Richardson, who played 38 tests for the Black Caps, said while it would be disappointing to see Stokes depart, he might benefit from time out of the spotlight.
“It’s really disappointing and no one really knows the true facts, but the fact is when you’re England captain, when you’re on tenterhooks as it is after what has happened over the last 12 months with that side, you might think it was a great test win, but maybe let’s not go out and drink, or let’s do it in private,” Richardson said.
“He doesn’t deserve to go out this way, but clearly there’s a problem there and maybe time out of the public eye is the best way to deal with it.
“It would be a genuine shame to see the back of him. The character that I know, only from afar, is, you know, if England say we’re going to sit you down, he’s the type of character to go, ‘Oh, bugger that, I’ll retire then’.”
The midnight curfew was first imposed for England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January and the T20 World Cup that followed, both when Brook was captain.
Stokes has had a history with alcohol during his time in the spotlight. In 2013, he was sent home from an England Lions tour for too much boozing, but his most infamous incident occurred in Bristol, 2017, that led to being charged with affray.
He subsequently missed the Ashes tour of 2017/18 before he was found not guilty of the charge following a trial at Bristol Crown Court in August 2018.
Richardson said Stokes is the kind of guy that walks towards a teammate in a fight not walk away.
“If there is a fracas, let’s run and run quickly out the pub, not actually go to it,” Richardson said.
“Ben Stokes is the type of guy that if there’s trouble, he’s going to go towards it, he’s not going to run away from it.
“He’s a competitive individual. I think it would be a real shame to lose him. He’s a character, he’s a great performer.”
The second test against the Black Caps takes place at The Oval in London, starting on June 17.