Ben Stokes in trouble? England cricket probe ‘nightclub incident’ after Lord’s Test

English cricket has been hit by a familiar wave of off-field controversy following an overnight incident involving captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed it had launched an investigation into a “breach of team protocols” after the pair were spotted at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning, immediately after the end of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

While the exact details of the altercation or mishap remain under wraps, the situation is serious enough that the cricket regulator has been officially brought in to oversee the matter. The timing of the investigation puts the team management in a difficult position as the ECB has already indicated that the upcoming squad selection for the second Test could be delayed until it is determined whether their star players face disciplinary action or suspension.

“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first men’s Test against New Zealand,” the ECB said in a statement.

“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at the nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when the incident occurred. We are currently investigating further information and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course,” the statement added.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

08 Jun 2026 23:09 IST