New Test captain Joe Root has removed the midnight curfew for the England cricket team, a policy implemented under his predecessor Ben Stokes. The curfew was introduced during the winter tours following several late-night incidents. Root's decision signals a shift towards trusting players to manage their own conduct.
"Let's be adults," Root stated to his team ahead of their upcoming Test match against Pakistan. He expressed that the curfew is not necessary and that players are expected to make responsible decisions. This policy change also extends to the white-ball teams, led by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Harry Brook.
The curfew had a complex history. It was first established during Root's initial tenure as Test captain (2017-2022) after drinking-related incidents during the 2017-18 Ashes tour. It was abolished when Stokes took over as captain in 2022 but was later reinstated earlier this year. Root's return to captaincy marks its second abolition.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Root said, "My view on curfews is that I don't think they work and if you want guys to take responsibility on the field, they've got to feel like they can be grown adults off it and make good, strong decisions off it." He added that the team needs to self-police effectively.
The curfew was initially imposed on the white-ball team in January for their tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup. This followed incidents such as opener Ben Duckett being filmed seemingly intoxicated during a team holiday and an altercation involving a player in Wellington. The curfew remained for the Test team during the home summer, though its application and communication reportedly caused confusion.
Following England's victory over New Zealand at Lord's, Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson were reportedly out past midnight, leading to an incident where a security staff member was assaulted. Both players missed the subsequent Test while the matter was investigated and were subsequently cleared. Stokes later announced his retirement from international cricket shortly after this period.
Root emphasized the importance of professionalism and reputation, stating, "We should be known for how we play our cricket and what we do on the field. We should be on the back page of the papers, and people reading about that sort of stuff." He urged players to "look after yourselves, look after each other, create a good, strong culture where you know the right time is to celebrate and enjoy a win, or to have a sensible beer or whatever. And remember you're playing for England."
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the removal of the curfew. "We have a Test captain and coach, who are looking at how they set team standards and culture," the statement read. "As part of this, the curfew will no longer be in place. We will ensure all players have a clear understanding of expectations when they come together for the upcoming Test series."
This move represents a partial reversal of behavioral guidelines issued last month, which had also advised against alcohol consumption on the day immediately before, during, or after a match, and suggested that any drinking should be done in private. These guidelines specifically apply to the England senior men's teams, with other England sides adhering to their own set of rules. The England women's team does not have formal rules regarding alcohol.