The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will face no action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the governing body reviewed the release of Ben Stokes’ retirement video during the third Test against New Zealand.
The ICC wrote to the ECB on 4 July after footage of Stokes informing his England team-mates that he would retire after the series appeared on social media and broadcasters during play at Trent Bridge.
The governing body questioned whether the video breached Players’ and Match Officials’ Areas (PMOA) regulations, which restrict video recording inside dressing rooms and form part of cricket’s anti-corruption measures.
It is understood the ECB responded to the ICC’s concerns and both parties have now concluded the matter amicably. Neither organisation has commented publicly.
The ICC’s original letter referred to Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA minimum standards, which states that national boards must ensure no permanent or temporary recording equipment operates inside team dressing rooms for broadcasting purposes.
The ICC also reminded the ECB that any footage recorded inside the PMOA should not include audio or be released before the end of a match.
Stokes responded light-heartedly after reports of the ICC letter emerged, posting “Sack him” on social media.
The England all-rounder later explained that the timing of the announcement formed part of a plan agreed between his management team and the ECB.
“I just said, ‘You guys work with Michael Lumb and Neil Fairbrother, who work with me, and you guys just come up with a plan’,” Stokes said.
The announcement came while Stokes was bowling on the fourth day. Moments later, he dismissed New Zealand batter Zak Foulkes with his first delivery after the news became public. His international career ended when the Test concluded the following day.
