England’s cricket team will have a curfew in place for the upcoming T20 World Cup following recent incidents in New Zealand and Australia. The team faced defeats in the One-Day International series in New Zealand and the Ashes tournament in Australia, with off-the-field alcohol-related incidents drawing negative attention.
After suffering losses in both series, including a 4-1 defeat in the Ashes, there were concerns raised about the team’s behavior, particularly highlighted by an incident involving Test vice-captain Harry Brook getting into a drunken altercation with a bouncer in New Zealand. Consequently, the England and Wales Cricket Board has implemented a curfew for the players ahead of their matches against Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup.
The players will be reminded of their responsibilities and are required to return to the team hotel before midnight. The team will be playing a series of ODIs and T20s in Sri Lanka before participating in the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The incidents during the Ashes, including a video of a player in a drunken state, have led to fines and apologies from the players involved.
Director of cricket Rob Key, facing pressure after the Ashes, emphasized the importance of responsible behavior and professionalism among the players. He expressed disapproval of excessive drinking within the team and emphasized the need for players to maintain high standards while representing their country.
In response to the incidents, ECB chief executive Richard Gould initiated a review focusing on various aspects such as tour planning, individual behaviors, and the team’s ability to adapt to different circumstances effectively. The board aims to address the issues and ensure a more disciplined approach moving forward.