Ben Stokes & Gus Atkinson Cleared as ECB Investigation Ends With No Action
The Cricket Regulator investigated the nightclub incident involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson and found no evidence that either player broke any ECB cricket rules. Stokes and Atkinson were already recalled to England’s squad after they missed the second New Zealand Test due to the ongoing investigation. The duo featured for their County Championship sides, Durham (Stokes) and Surrey (Atkinson), but were called back mid-match after England lost by 253 runs at The Oval.
Other than missing one Test match, no further action will be taken against Ben Stokes or Gus Atkinson. During the investigation, it was revealed that Atkinson was not aware of the team's curfew rule. The rule states that England players are not allowed to stay out after midnight during a series.
No Further Action Against Stokes and Atkinson After ECB Investigation
Since Atkinson does not regularly play in England's white-ball teams, he was unfamiliar with the regulation. Not just Atkinson, but many in the squad weren’t aware that the curfew remains in place between matches. There was a 10-day gap between the Lord’s Test and The Oval Test, and players didn’t know they weren’t allowed to remain outside the team hotel after midnight. Therefore, Stokes or Atkinson won’t even be fined.
“The Cricket Regulator has concluded its investigation into the events of 7–8 June involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. The Cricket Regulator’s role is to determine whether any participant or player has breached any applicable ECB Cricket Regulations. The investigation followed multiple lines of enquiry to gather and assess evidence in relation to the events in question.
Having carefully reviewed all currently available information, the Cricket Regulator has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish that any regulatory breach occurred. Accordingly, no further action will be taken against either player. The Cricket Regulator would like to thank all those involved for their cooperation throughout the investigation,” the Cricket Regulator said in a statement.
England squad for 3rd New Zealand Test: Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox (wk), Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson