England’s cricket team will face a curfew during the upcoming T20 World Cup following recent incidents in New Zealand and Australia. The team’s poor performance on the field during the last two tours has been coupled with off-the-pitch issues, leading to increased scrutiny.
Having suffered defeats in both New Zealand and the Ashes series, including a controversial trip to Noosa, England’s players have been under fire for their conduct. Test vice-captain Harry Brook made headlines for a drunken altercation with a bouncer in New Zealand, prompting the England and Wales Cricket Board to take action ahead of upcoming matches against Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup.
According to reports, players will be reminded of their responsibilities and will have to return to their team hotel before midnight. The team is set to play matches in Colombo against Sri Lanka before heading to India and Sri Lanka for the World Cup in February.
The team’s mid-Ashes break in Noosa was criticized for resembling a stag party, with incidents involving player Ben Duckett going viral. Additionally, Brook had previously been fined for an incident in Wellington in October.
In a statement, Brook expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged the importance of upholding the team’s reputation. The ECB has faced criticism regarding the team’s culture, with director of cricket Rob Key emphasizing the need for professionalism and responsible behavior.
Following the Ashes, ECB chief executive Richard Gould initiated a review focusing on various aspects of team performance and conduct. The board aims to address issues related to tour planning, individual behavior, and the team’s ability to adapt to different circumstances.