Ben Stokes appears to have made light of the International Cricket Council (ICC) contacting the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over a potential rule breach linked to his retirement announcement.
A video of Stokes’ farewell address to the England dressing room, during last month’s third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, has drawn the attention of the ICC, following a potential breach of filming regulations.
The Press Association has reported that the ECB has received official communication from the ICC regarding a video showing Ben Stokes informing his team-mates of his decision to retire on the fourth morning of the series decider, which England went on to lose.
Reacting on social media to a report on the story, Stokes wrote: “Sack him …”
The former England captain appeared to make light of the fact that it would be difficult for cricket’s authorities to sanction him now that he has retired from international cricket.
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Ben Stokes takes a wicket moments after announcing his retirement from international cricket on day four of the third Test against New Zealand.
The video, which lasts two minutes and nine seconds, was released on England’s social media channels interval and has been the pinned post on the England Cricket X account for over a week.
It was also screened by broadcasters soon after Stokes’ announcement became public knowledge.
Dressing rooms are part of a protected zone known as the players and match officials area (PMOA), which is governed by a set of principles known as the ICC’s minimum standards. The governing body upholds these in order to comply with its anti-corruption code.
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Ben Stokes reflects on his decision to retire from international cricket and explains why now was the right time.
For international matches article 2.2.11 of the standards says national federations must ensure “there are no fixed or temporary video cameras or other recording equipment set up within any dressing room used by the teams for the purposes of broadcasting video or audio footage”. Any exceptions must be agreed ahead of time with the nominated anti-corruption manager.
An additional guideline suggests any such exceptions of video footage should feature no audio and be for a maximum of two minutes.
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Harry Brook pays tribute to Ben Stokes following his retirement from international cricket and insists that he is up to the challenge of becoming the next England Test captain.
The ICC have sought an explanation behind the alleged breach and could seek to guarantee “corrective measures”. It is understood the ECB has 14 days to formally respond.
The video was released shortly before the tea interval on the fourth day, with Stokes in the middle of a trademark long bowling spell.
Stokes took a wicket with his first ball after the announcement had been made, with the crowd cheering loudly having learned of the news before he began the over.
England have yet to name a replacement for Stokes, but do not play another Test match until August 19 against Pakistan at Headingley.
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