The International Cricket Council has written to the England and Wales Cricket Board over the release of Ben Stokes’ retirement announcement video during the third Test against New Zealand, raising concerns that the footage may have breached the governing body’s Players’ and Match Officials’ Areas (PMOA) regulations, according to a report by BBC Sport‘s Stephan Shemilt.
ICC scrutiny centres on PMOA regulations
The issue relates to footage recorded inside England’s dressing room before play on the fourth day at Trent Bridge, where Stokes informed his teammates that he would retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the match. The ECB later released the video, complete with audio, across its digital platforms and to broadcasters while the Test was still in progress.
The ICC’s concerns centre on whether recording and distributing that material before the match had concluded complied with the PMOA framework, which forms part of the sport’s wider anti-corruption safeguards.
The governing body’s regulations state: “Ensure that there are no fixed or temporary video cameras or other recording equipment set up within any dressing room used by the teams for the purposes of broadcasting video or audio footage.”
The ICC has described the PMOA framework as “minimum standards” introduced to support its anti-corruption code.
Why the footage has come under review
Before England resumed play on the fourth morning, Stokes addressed his teammates and revealed his decision to step down after the Test.
Ben Stokes, former England Test Captain, addressing his England teammates before play on day four of the Trent Bridge Test, said: “There’s something I know is going to happen over the next two days, which is going to be [that] this is my last two days as your captain, and my last two days as representing England.”
He continued, “Reasons can wait [as to] why. But I’ve had many trips to the well before for this team, for you blokes, for people beforehand and I’ve got one more trip to do. The only thing that I ask, please, is can everyone else please just do the same?”
The video remained private until it was published during the afternoon session on day four, shortly before the tea interval, while Stokes was still playing in the match.
Stokes explains how the announcement was handled
Speaking after the fourth day’s play, Stokes explained that responsibility for planning the public announcement rested with his representatives and the ECB.
He said: “I just said, ‘You guys work with Michael Lumb and Neil Fairbrother, who work with me, and you guys just come up with a plan.’”
The ICC also reminded the ECB in its letter: “The global governing body had also previously informed the ECB any footage shot in the PMOA must not carry audio or be released before the conclusion of a match.”
Stokes responds as scrutiny continues
The reports also prompted a light-hearted reaction from Stokes on social media after news emerged that the ICC had contacted the ECB over the video’s release.
He wrote on X: “Sack him.”
Sack him … https://t.co/LYQ5ZlYqDE
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) July 9, 2026
Retirement unfolds alongside governance questions
The scrutiny over the video’s release has unfolded alongside the conclusion of one of England’s most significant international careers.
Following his retirement announcement, Stokes wrote on X: “It’s been a mad 15 years. It’s had everything thrown in there, from the highest highs to the lowest lows (on and off the field). My time was up, and no one was going to be able to make that decision other than me. But in the meantime, I just want to say I love every single England fan and every single cricket fan who’s supported me over the years.”
He continued: “I love every single person I’ve walked out onto the field with representing England. I could go on and on, but I hope you get the gist of how much I loved doing what I did for 15 years. I’m looking forward to being a fan and supporting the team, and the odd day in hospitality won’t go amiss. Family, friends, teammates, fans…I love y’all. Stokesy.”
It’s been a mad 15 years. It’s had everything thrown in there, from the highest highs to the lowest lows (on and off the field 😜).
My time was up, and no one was going to be able to make that decision other than me.
But in the meantime, I just want to say I ❤️ every single…
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) July 3, 2026
Neither the ICC nor the ECB has commented publicly on the matter, and the ECB has yet to respond to the governing body’s letter.
