England cricketers will reportedly operate under tighter off-field restrictions for the rest of the winter, with a midnight curfew imposed following disciplinary concerns during the Ashes in Australia and the previous tour of New Zealand. The decision reflects growing unease within the team management after a series of alcohol-related incidents coincided with poor results on the field, leading to a renewed emphasis on professionalism as England plunge into a demanding white-ball schedule.
According to the Daily Mail report, no formal code of conduct will be issued; The players are expected to be reminded of their duties as international representatives when the team arrives in Colombo for the Sri Lanka series. However, one clear directive will be a requirement to return to the team hotel by 12pm unless prior approval has been granted, a move aimed at reducing distractions and restoring focus ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Ashes curfew
The crackdown follows a turbulent period on tour, with numerous reports of heavy drinking during England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat and 3-0 ODI whitewash in New Zealand. A six-day Ashes mid-series break in Noosa it attracted particular attention after some observers compared it to the atmosphere of a deer. Footage later emerged of Ben Duckett appearing heavily intoxicated late at night, adding to disciplinary concerns.
England’s stay in Perth also drew attention, where players were based in a casino complex hotel and there were reports of heavy alcohol consumption. While none of the incidents led to immediate sanctions at the time, they contributed to a sense that the lines had become blurred during the long tour.
Brook’s incident draws attention
Concerns continued to escalate New Zealand when Harry Brook was fined a maximum of £30,000 (Rs 36.42 lakh) after an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, just hours before the final ODI against the Black Caps. The episode reportedly caused Brook to lose his white-ball captaincy and served as a turning point in internal discussions about player behaviour.
The curfew is seen as a preventative measure rather than a blanket punishment, with flexibility built in for official commitments or pre-approved commitments. The senior figures in the squad will be expected to help enforce standards as England look to put a line behind recent controversy and refocus on performance during a key stage of their international calendar.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
January 18, 2026