Jay Shah and Ben Stokes (Source: AFP)
In a major development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided not to take any action against the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after reviewing the release of Ben Stokes' retirement announcement video.
It is worth noting that earlier, the ICC had contacted the ECB to understand whether the recording and publication of the video followed the rules related to protected areas at international matches.
After receiving an explanation from the ECB, the ICC concluded the matter without imposing any punishment on the ECB and Ben Stokes.
Why Did ICC Reach Out To ECB Over Ben Stokes Video?
The issue began after the ECB published a video showing Ben Stokes informing his England teammates that he had decided to retire from international cricket.
The video was recorded inside the England dressing room before the fourth day of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Stokes had announced his retirement publicly on June 28 during the fourth day of the Nottingham Test. Soon after, the ECB shared the dressing room footage with broadcasters and on its official social media platforms while the match was still being played.
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The ICC later wrote to the ECB seeking clarification about the video. The governing body referred to rules covering the Players’ and Match Officials’ Areas (PMOA). It is vital to note that the ICC, in its letter, stated that the ECB has breached the rules set out in Article 2.2.11.
According to these rules, host boards are expected to ensure that no fixed or temporary cameras or other recording equipment are set up inside team dressing rooms for broadcasting video or audio content.
Article 2.2.11 states - "Ensure that 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."
After news of the inquiry became public, Stokes reacted with humour on social media, posting a brief message saying, 'Sack him.'
Why Will ICC Not Take Action Against ECB And Ben Stokes?
After the ICC’s communication, the ECB submitted its response explaining the release of the video. It is understood from the reports that the ICC reviewed the explanation and decided that no further action was necessary.
The inquiry has now been formally closed (as per reports from the BBC), meaning neither the ECB nor Ben Stokes will face any disciplinary measures over the incident.
ECB Takes Major Steps After Ben Stokes’ Episode
The England cricket team and Ben Stokes have been in the limelight for a long time now. Even before announcing his retirement, Stokes was also in the spotlight following a nightclub incident involving fast bowler Gus Atkinson.
In response to recent events, the ECB has reportedly introduced stricter standards for player conduct during international tours and series.
Under the updated guidelines, England players will not be allowed to consume alcohol even on the day after a Test match.
Players have also been instructed not to appear in public while under the influence of alcohol or post alcohol-related content on social media.
In addition, any player wishing to leave the team hotel after 10 pm must first inform the team management and security staff. Along with all this, the midnight curfew will continue.
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