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ECB draws red-line! Embargo imposed on England players for T20 World Cup 2026  

Akshita Patel

ECB mulling strict action against England [Source: @codecricketau/X.com]ECB mulling strict action against England [Source: @codecricketau/X.com]

The ECB is reportedly planning strict steps after reports of binge-drinking and late-night outings during England’s recent Ashes tour of Australia. With the team losing the series 4-1, and questions being raised about discipline and culture.

And now, the board is reviewing the behaviour of players off the field. A possible curfew is being discussed ahead of the Sri Lanka tour and the T20 World Cup, as the ECB looks to restore focus and professionalism. 

ECB mulls curfew after England’s Noosa trip chaos

According to reports in The UK Times, the ECB is considering imposing a curfew on England players after learning about repeated drinking sessions during the Ashes. 

It claimed that players spent several days drinking between the second and third Tests, with some outings resembling a “stag do”. The board is worried that this behaviour affected preparation and performance.

The ECB has already started a review into team culture following the heavy defeat in Australia. The report said that changes are being planned for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup 2026. 

The idea is to keep players focused and avoid distractions. If implemented, the curfew will limit players from going out late and engaging in social interactions during tours.

This is, however, not the first incident where England have followed a curfew. Similar rules were in place after Ben Stokes’ nightclub incident in 2017 and during the 2017-18 Ashes. 

Stokes removed the curfew after becoming captain in 2022, but the ECB now feels stricter control may be needed.

Casinos, late nights and broken discipline rock England

Another report in The Telegraph revealed that England players visited casinos several times during the Ashes. The team was staying at Crown Towers, a hotel connected to a casino complex, making it easy for players to spend time gambling.

These visits were reportedly in full public view. The report also mentioned that England’s ODI captain Harry Brook was involved in an altercation outside a nightclub in New Zealand after the Ashes. 

Ben Duckett was caught on camera appearing drunk in Noosa, while young batter Jacob Bethell was seen vaping during a night out. 

Between the second and third Tests, the England squad travelled to Noosa for a break. This decision was heavily questioned, as the team was already 0-2 down. 

These incidents added to the growing criticism of England’s off-field behaviour.

England falls to a new low in Ashes 2025-26

The Ashes 2025-26 tour ended on a disappointing note for England as they lost the series to Australia 4-1. Hopes were high after England’s aggressive approach in recent years, but those expectations quickly faded.

The tourists were beaten in the initial three Tests in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, with the Ashes lost within 11 days. Their batting struggled against quality pace and bounce, while the bowlers could not apply any pressure on the opposition.

England’s lone win came in the fourth Test at the MCG, where they chased down a modest target with four wickets in hand. Although they won the Boxing Day Test, the overall series damage was already done.

With the Sri Lanka tour starting on January 22 and the T20 World Cup beginning on February 7, the ECB is under pressure to fix issues quickly.