Sport: Cricket Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Former spinner criticizes ECB's midnight curfew amid Stokes investigation

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 12:06 PM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

Former spinner criticizes ECB's midnight curfew amid Stokes investigation

Summary

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has criticized the ECB for imposing a midnight curfew on players following an altercation involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Stokes and Atkinson were stood down from England duty after an incident with Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa. Swann argued that the curfew is counterproductive and highlighted that it was originally implemented to manage player behavior after past controversies. The ECB's investigation into the incident continues, and Joe Root will captain the team for the upcoming Test. Stokes is reportedly considering retirement amid the ongoing scrutiny of his captaincy.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Graeme Swann defends Stokes, calling the curfew ridiculous.
•Stokes and Atkinson were involved in a nightclub incident.
•Midnight curfew introduced after 2025-26 Ashes player behavior issues.
•Joe Root will lead the England team in the next Test.
•Stokes faces scrutiny of his captaincy amid ongoing investigation.

Latest Updates

12:06 PMYahoo Sports — Ridiculous': Former England spinner slams ECB for imposing curfew on players amid Ben Stokes row

What they're saying

"
While the ECB's investigations continue to keep skipper Ben Stokes out of action, according to one former English spinner, the whole concept of a midnight curfew is ridiculous as he comes to support Stokes.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Cricket