Cricket's drinking culture remains despite game's evolution: Stokes

Former England captain Ben Stokes believes cricket's long-standing association with alcohol remains deeply embedded in the sport, but insists it should not be confused with the England team having a drinking problem.

Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, the 35-year-old, who retired from international cricket in June during England's third and final Test against New Zealand, said the sport's drinking culture has persisted even as the professional game has evolved.

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Asked whether England had a problem with alcohol, Stokes rejected the suggestion.

"No, that is such an extreme thing to put on a team," Stokes said.

"I think cricket has a drinking culture and that hasn't changed.

"We are in 2026 now, where the game has gone more professional over the years, and one thing that has just stayed within cricket is its relationship with alcohol, from club cricket it works its way up. It has just stayed there and has been embedded within the sport.

"The relationship between alcohol and cricket is just something that hasn't moved on as the game has become more professional.

"For people who think the English cricket team has a drinking culture, I would say no. I would just say cricket has a culture that is associated with alcohol."

Stokes' retirement came weeks after he missed England's second Test against New Zealand following an incident involving him and fast bowler Gus Atkinson at a London nightclub. The episode was the latest in a series of off-field incidents involving England players.

In response, England introduced a midnight curfew after the Ashes tour and later updated team policy to advise players against drinking alcohol on the day before and the day after matches.

Stokes, who was acquitted of affray in 2018 following a fight outside a Bristol nightclub, said he had also experienced an unhealthy relationship with alcohol earlier in his career.

He revealed he stopped drinking for a period while recovering from injury in 2025 and has since learned to manage his alcohol consumption.

"I think it can be a problem. I don't know what you do to change it," he said.

"I've had, I don't want to say problems, but I've had relationships with alcohol at times over my career that have been potentially dangerous, if that makes sense. But that is completely different to me now.

"There's this relationship with alcohol within cricket that has been the same from the 1980s. As the game has got better and better, that thing has stayed around. That is my opinion on cricket and alcohol."

Looking ahead, Stokes said he hopes to remain involved in the sport after retirement and has set his sights on coaching.

The all-rounder revealed he is completing his Level Three coaching qualification and would relish the opportunity to lead England from the dressing room rather than the field.

"I'm doing my level three coaching now while I'm still playing, because I want, when the day comes that I'm not playing any more, I'd love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done," he said.

"I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely.

"I just really like the idea of being, again, like, in some form of leadership away from playing."

Stokes also dismissed speculation that he could return for the 2027 Ashes, replying "Definitely" when asked if his retirement was final.