![Harry Brook for England [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768742528130_HarryBrookforEngland.jpg?type=hq)
Harry Brook for England [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]
Days after Harry Brook was taken into account by the England and Wales Cricket Board for his controversial nightclub altercation with a bodyguard, the board has decided to lay down strict disciplinary measures. The ECB has imposed a midnight curfew on the England cricket team for their upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup 2026.
According to a report by the Daily Mail Sport, the ECB has informed captain Harry Brook and head coach Brendon McCullum about the stringent night-time restrictions. The England squad is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka later on January 18, where the players will once again be reminded of their responsibilities as international cricketers.
What is the curfew for England players during Sri Lanka and India visit?
As per the latest curfew guidelines laid down by the ECB, every England cricketer must return to the team hotel by midnight. This rule will remain in force throughout the tour of Sri Lanka as well as India and will not be limited to match days.
This means that even on rest days, unlike during the Ashes tour, players will be required to adhere to a strict curfew unless prior permission is granted by team management.
The decision follows several off-field incidents involving the England team during the Ashes 2025–26 tour. During the widely reported Noosa drinking row, England cricketers, including Ben Stokes, were found heavily drinking and roaming along sea beaches. Ben Duckett was also reportedly found drunk and almost unconscious during a verbal altercation with civilians.
What is the nightclub row with Harry Brook?
In Harry Brook’s case, the batter was involved in an altercation and was punched by a bouncer on the night before England’s match against New Zealand in Wellington on November 1. Taking strict action, the ECB imposed a £30,000 fine on Brook.
However, the board reportedly gave the Noosa incident a clean chit, viewing it as a casual episode and not a serious breach, as it was not flagged as a major concern by the security personnel assigned to Ben Stokes and his teammates.
Curfew for England players: Good or bad?
The potential impact of the curfew imposed by the ECB could be both positive and negative. On the positive side, it is expected to improve discipline and focus, ensuring players are well-rested and fully committed to cricket. The curfew will also minimise distractions from late-night activities and reduce the chances of alcohol-related incidents.
In addition, the implementation of a clear curfew provides unambiguous guidelines for player conduct, thereby reducing the likelihood of repeat offences and the risk of fines or penalties for individuals.
While some argue that strict curfews can be counterproductive, a disciplined approach followed by the England cricket team could help them become more professional and maintain higher standards, both on the field and within the broader framework of preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026.
The England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 will begin with the first ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium on January 22, 2026. The ODI series will feature two more matches, running until January 27, and the tour will then conclude with a three-match T20I series, which will start on February 1 and end on February 3.
