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Stokes weighing England captaincy future after nightclub incident - reports

  • On Monday, the ECB ​said Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were ​under investigation
Published June 10, 2026 Updated June 10, 2026 10:19am
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England captain Ben Stokes is considering his leadership future following his involvement in ​a nightclub incident that has prompted ‌an investigation by the country’s cricket board (ECB), according to media reports on Tuesday.

On Monday, the ECB ​said Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were ​under investigation.

The incident - the details of ⁠which have not been disclosed - occurred in ​the early hours of Monday after England’s victory over ​New Zealand in the first test at Lord’s.

On Tuesday, ESPNcricinfo reported Stokes would meet with his advisors ​on Wednesday to decide on his ​future.

Stokes was previously involved in a 2017 incident outside ‌a ⁠Bristol nightclub that led to an affray charge. He missed the 2017-18 Ashes tour before being cleared the following summer.

After England’s squad ​faced scrutiny ​earlier this ⁠year for their behaviour during a 4-1 Ashes series defeat, ECB ​chief executive Richard Gould said in ​January ⁠that players would be subject to stricter measures, including a midnight curfew.

The second test ⁠of ​the three-match series against New ​Zealand begins on June 17 at The Oval.