Ben Stokes could return as England captain amid regulatory report

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 6:03 PM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Ben Stokes could return as England captain amid regulatory report
Summary

The England and Wales Cricket Board is optimistic about Ben Stokes' potential return as captain. Stokes has expressed his desire to continue playing, and the ECB is awaiting a report from the Cricket Regulator regarding his recent breach of team curfew. This report, concerning an incident involving Stokes and Gus Atkinson following a Test match against New Zealand at Lord's, is expected in the coming days. The outcomes of this report will likely impact Stokes’ reinstatement.

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Status Watch
  • •Ben Stokes is keen to continue playing for England.
  • •ECB awaits a report on Stokes' curfew breach.
  • •The situation follows England's recent Test win over New Zealand.
  • •Brendon McCullum and Rob Key have been noncommittal in public comments.
  • •Report from the Cricket Regulator is expected in the next few days.
Latest Updates
  • 6:03 PMThe Guardian Sport — Ben Stokes could be back soon as England captain as mood turns his way
What they're saying
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Regulator’s initial report into nightclub affair due soon Stokes has made it clear that he wants to play on The England and Wales Cricket Board is hopeful that Ben Stokes will be able to make a quick return as England captain. Brendon McCullum, the head coach, and Rob Key, the team’s managing director, refused to say that they wanted Stokes back in the side in press conferences over the last week, but behind the scenes the mood is believed to be more optimistic. The ECB is understood to be waiting for a report from the Cricket Regulator into Stokes’s actions in breaking the team curfew along with the fast bowler Gus Atkinson after England’s first Test win over New Zealand at Lord’s last week. The regulator’s preliminary report is due in the next few days, and its contents will inform the ECB’s next steps. Continue reading...

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