 came under scrutiny from ICC.){kind=link}
Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has reacted with humour after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) came under scrutiny from the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the release of his retirement announcement video during the third Test against New Zealand. While the governing body is reportedly examining whether the footage breached anti-corruption regulations, Stokes’ light-hearted response has become a talking point among cricket fans.
The controversy began after the ECB shared a dressing-room video on the fourth day of the Trent Bridge Test, showing Stokes informing his teammates that the match would be his final appearance in international cricket. The emotional clip was released while the Test match was still in progress and quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread attention from fans around the world.
According to reports, the ICC contacted the ECB seeking clarification over the timing of the video’s release. The governing body’s concerns centre on Players’ and Match Officials’ Areas (PMOA) regulations, which restrict the broadcasting of audio recorded inside dressing rooms during live international matches. The rules are designed to protect the integrity of the game and prevent potentially sensitive team information from being made public while a match is underway.
Amid the growing debate, Stokes responded in his trademark style by posting a humorous comment on social media. Replying to a post about the ICC’s reported inquiry, the former England captain joked, “Sack him …”, poking fun at the situation rather than expressing concern. His witty remark quickly went viral, with many fans praising his ability to lighten the mood despite the controversy surrounding the ECB.
Reports suggest that although the ECB may have breached the protocol governing dressing-room recordings, significant disciplinary action is considered unlikely. The ICC is said to have reminded the board that such footage, particularly with accompanying audio, should only be released after the conclusion of play.
Ben Stokes officially retired from international cricket after the New Zealand Test series, bringing the curtain down on an outstanding career. The all-rounder finished with 7,273 Test runs and 252 wickets in 122 matches, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of England’s greatest modern cricketers. Alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, Stokes also played a pivotal role in transforming England’s aggressive approach to Test cricket.
While the ECB continues to await the outcome of the ICC’s review, Stokes’ humorous reaction has ensured the controversy has also delivered one of cricket’s most entertaining off-field moments.