England’s cricketers will reportedly operate under tighter off-field restrictions for the remainder of the winter, with a midnight curfew introduced in the wake of disciplinary concerns during the Ashes in Australia and the preceding New Zealand tour. The decision reflects growing unease within team management after a series of alcohol-related incidents coincided with poor on-field results, prompting a renewed emphasis on professionalism as England head into a demanding white-ball schedule.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, no formal code of conduct will be issued; players are expected to be reminded of their responsibilities as international representatives when the squad arrives in Colombo for the Sri Lanka series. One clear guideline, however, will be the requirement to return to the team hotel by 12 am unless prior approval has been granted, a move aimed at limiting distractions and restoring focus ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Curfew after Ashes fallout
The clampdown follows a turbulent period on tour, with multiple reports of excessive drinking during England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat and the 3-0 ODI whitewash in New Zealand. A six-day mid-series Ashes break in Noosa drew particular scrutiny after it was compared by some observers to a stag-do atmosphere. Footage later surfaced of Ben Duckett appearing heavily intoxicated late at night, adding to concerns over discipline.
England’s stay in Perth also attracted attention, with players based in a casino complex hotel and reports emerging of high alcohol consumption. While none of the incidents resulted in immediate sanctions at the time, they contributed to a sense that boundaries had become blurred during the long tour.
Brook incident sharpens focus
Concerns escalated further in New Zealand when Harry Brook was fined the maximum £30,000 (Rs 36.42 lakhs) following an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, just hours before the final ODI against the Black Caps. The episode reportedly left Brook close to losing the white-ball captaincy and served as a turning point in internal discussions about player behaviour.
The curfew is understood to be a preventative measure rather than a blanket punishment, with flexibility built in for official engagements or pre-approved commitments. Senior figures within the squad are expected to help enforce standards, as England seek to draw a line under recent controversies and refocus on performance during a crucial phase of their international calendar.
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