ECB Investigates Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson After London Nightclub Incident

England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were investigated by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after an incident at a London nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning following England’s 115-run win over New Zealand at Lord’s.

“- Published An incident at a nightclub involving England cricket captain Ben Stokes, pace bowler Gus Atkinson and a Saracens academy rugby union player is being investigated by the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Prem Rugby club”

BBC

The ECB said it was investigating a “breach of team protocols” and stated that “Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.”

BBC

The incident was reported as involving a Saracens academy rugby union player, and Saracens said it was aware of “an incident involving an academy player connected to (the club)”.

England’s second Test at the Oval starts next Wednesday, and the ECB said it was seeking further information while an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test would be made in due course.

The probe comes after England had imposed a midnight curfew on players and staff following a series of incidents involving alcohol during the winter’s Ashes series, with the curfew still in place on Sunday night even after the Test ended.

Stokes had spoken after the win, telling journalists: “I’m not going to lie, I’m very, very happy that we’ve won this week,” and he added, “I won’t be really happy until I get to share a beer with the boys.”

Fox Sports

Sky Sports reported that there were “little details known of the incident at nightclub” and suggested there would be disappointment among the ECB.

The Guardian said both players have been referred to the Cricket Regulator, describing the decision as one that could determine whether they are allowed to participate in the second Test against New Zealand starting at the Oval on 17 June.

The ECB’s statement tied the investigation to the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand and said it would provide a further update when possible, with the squad for the second Test potentially affected by the outcome.

“Ben Stokes’ England captaincy in jeopardy as nightclub ‘incident’ with rugby player investigated Ben Stokes’ position as England cricket captain was in jeopardy Monday after officials announced he was being investigated for a nightclub incident reportedly involving a Saracens rugby player”

Fox Sports

The Guardian reported that a decision was expected imminently over whether Stokes and Atkinson would be allowed to participate in the second Test, and it noted that a squad without them could be named as early as Tuesday.

Fox Sports said the Telegraph reported that Stokes and Atkinson “breached the team’s new midnight curfew” and were “embroiled in a melee with a Saracens academy player,” with the report adding that a security guard was left requiring stitches.

With the second Test at the Oval beginning on 17 June, the investigation’s findings could reshape England’s leadership and selection as the team attempts to move on from prior off-field controversies tied to the Ashes and the curfew.