Ben Stokes not done yet, jokes as ICC questions ECB over retirement video

Former England captain Ben Stokes hit back with a scathing post on social media after reports emerged that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had taken issue with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over the release of footage of him coming out of retirement during the third Test against New Zealand.

Stokes reposted the message about X and simply wrote, “Fire him,” a comment that quickly went viral and added a touch of humor to the controversy.

The problem stems from two minutes video released by the ECB on day four of the Trent Bridge Testshowing Stokes informing his England team-mates that he would retire from international cricket after the match.

Footage from the dressing room, which included audio, was posted on social media before the tea break while the Test was still underway. Moments after news of his retirement spread across the country, Stokes dismissed New Zealand batsman Zak Foulkes to cap an emotional farewell in fitting fashion.

BEN STOKES’ FAREWELL OVERSHADOWED BY ICC QUERY

Controversy slightly overshadowed the end of one of England’s most decorated careers. Stokes retired after turning around England’s Test fortunes as captain alongside head coach Brendan McCullum’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy.

One of England’s greatest ever captains, Ben Stokes has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match.

Ben, you were the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have hoped for.

We love you very much and wish you the same pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026

The all-rounder finished with over 7,000 Test runs and over 250 wickets, while his heroics in the 2019 ODI World Cup Final and the 2022 T20 World Cup Final secured his place among England’s all-time greats.

According to multiple reports, the ICC has written to the ECB alleging that the release of dressing room footage may have breached the minimum standards for players’ and wrestlers’ areas (PMOAs), which form part of cricket’s anti-corruption framework.

Article 2.2.11 prohibits fixed or temporary cameras and other recording devices inside team dressing rooms for the purpose of broadcasting images or sound.

The governing body also reportedly reminded the ECB that any footage captured in player areas should not include audio or be released before the end of the match.

The ICC’s concerns relate to the ECB’s handling of the footage rather than Stokes himself. The former captain has previously said he has left the planning and timing of his retirement announcement to his management team.

Neither the ICC nor the ECB have publicly commented on the reports. However, the episode reignited debate over dressing room media access and anti-corruption protocols and cast an unexpected shadow over Stokes’ emotional farewell to international cricket.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

09 Jul 2026 16:31 IST