Sir Ian Botham has voiced his disapproval of Ben Stokes, the England captain who was removed from the squad, due to his breach of team regulations, stating that he finds the incident “unjustifiable.”
The versatile cricketer Stokes, along with fast bowler Gus Atkinson, were excluded from participation in the current second Test match against New Zealand, pending an inquiry into an event that transpired at a London nightlife establishment.
Stokes, aged 35, and Atkinson, 28, violated the England squad’s 12 AM deadline during their celebrations following their win in the initial Test held at Lord’s.
They were on location when an individual from the England security personnel received a blow from a rugby player affiliated with Saracens.
Both individuals are currently undergoing separate inquiries initiated by both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Cricket Regulator.
Botham, who holds the position of president for Durham, Stokes’s county team, and formerly acted as its chairman, addressed Stokes’s conduct during a segment of the “Stick to Cricket” podcast, the complete version of which is slated for release in the upcoming week.
Botham remarked, “Some individuals simply fail to acquire lessons, don’t they? It truly is that straightforward.”
He continued, “Our club [Durham], during his difficulties in Bristol back in 2017, offered him steadfast support; I personally supported him, the entire squad stood by him, as I was chairman at the time. He received universal backing then.”
He added, “I find it impossible to rationalize the events following the match [at Lord’s], particularly given that you were likely fully aware of, and responsible for, the midnight curfew.”
Stokes has been included in Durham’s fifteen-player roster for their County Championship match versus Northamptonshire, commencing on Friday, yet his prospects with the England team remain ambiguous.
Botham himself was known for his intense approach, both during games and in his personal life.
The septuagenarian mentioned that athletes from his generation “enjoyed socializing over beverages” but observed that their activities “were less conspicuous” than those of contemporary players.
England faced persistent accusations regarding an excessive drinking culture throughout the 2025-26 Ashes series, which concluded with their 4-1 defeat.
Preceding the Ashes series, Harry Brook, the captain for white-ball cricket, was assaulted by a nightclub security guard in Wellington just prior to a one-day international contest against New Zealand.
Consequently, England instituted a 12 AM restriction for all members of the team and support personnel.
Botham recounted, “In Australia, they found themselves trailing 2-0. What was the squad’s response? A five-day trip to Noosa, and the events that unfolded there are widely recognized.”
He remarked, “The other evening, I was astonished. What puzzles me is the presence of the security guard there, if both he and the players are aware they are not permitted after midnight? The guard should not have to countermand him [Stokes], as such a situation ought not to arise.”
Botham, a past England captain who accumulated 5,200 runs and claimed 383 wickets across 102 Test matches, indicated that he would not be surprised should Stokes opt to retire from cricket entirely if he were relieved of his captaincy.
Botham further stated, “It would not astonish me if Ben were to forfeit his leadership role; he might well choose to depart from the sport altogether. However, I am simply not certain.”
He continued, “I am unsure of the direction things will take from this point. I merely believe that some outcome will materialize, regardless of its nature.”
He concluded, “Frankly, it was an unneeded action and one that I anticipate he will come to lament.”
