The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sought an explanation from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over a video showing Ben Stokes telling his teammates about his decision to retire from international cricket.
According to English media reports, the ECB shared the footage on social media during the fourth day of the third and final Test against New Zealand.
The ICC believes the move may have breached its minimum standards for Players’ and Match Officials’ Areas (PMOA) at international matches.
One of England's all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match.
Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for.
We love you so much and wish you… pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026
Under Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA minimum standards, national cricket boards must ensure that no fixed or temporary cameras or recording equipment are placed inside team dressing rooms for broadcasting video or audio footage.
The report claimed that the ICC wrote to the ECB on Saturday, saying the board had breached the provision by recording and publishing footage and audio of Stokes’ address before the Test had ended.
It further stated that the ICC had previously told the ECB that any footage recorded in the PMOA must not include audio or be released before the conclusion of a match.
Ben Stokes, speaking to broadcasters at the end of the penultimate day of the deciding Test, said the timing of the announcement was planned between his agents 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.
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