Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed found himself facing questions away from the cricketing action after the second day's play in the second Test against England at Lord's. During the press conference, the coach was asked about the controversy surrounding a Sky Sports interview featuring the sons of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan.

Sarfaraz appeared uncomfortable with the subject and attempted to steer the conversation back toward cricket. When questioned about the matter, he said he was not aware of any discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) concerning the interview.

Sarfaraz Says He Has No Information

The Pakistan coach made it clear that the issue was not something he had been involved with. He indicated that he did not know about any communication between the two cricket boards over Michael Atherton's interview with Imran Khan's sons.

When the subject was raised, Sarfaraz repeatedly maintained that he had no information about the matter and appeared eager to move past the question.

Interview Becomes Talking Point

The controversy centers on Michael Atherton's interview with Imran Khan's sons. The issue has attracted attention beyond the cricket field, with questions reportedly being raised about the circumstances surrounding the interview and whether the PCB and ECB had discussed it.

Sarfaraz was therefore asked to clarify the Pakistan team's position during the post-match media interaction. However, rather than offering details, he distanced himself from the matter.

Press Conference Held After Day Two

The questions came during Sarfaraz's media interaction following the second day's action in the Test at Lord's. Normally, such press conferences focus on the team's performance, tactics and match situation, but the interview controversy became an unexpected topic.

The Pakistan coach's responses suggested that he was not in a position to provide information about any discussions involving the two boards.

Cricket Remains the Main Focus

With the Test series underway, Sarfaraz's immediate responsibility remains preparing the Pakistan side for the remainder of the match. The questions about Imran Khan's sons, however, brought an off-field issue into the spotlight during his media appearance.

England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has thrown his full support behind Joe Root's return as England's Test captain, calling him the ideal leader to guide the team through its transition period. At the same time, McCullum revealed that Harry Brook is being developed as England's long-term captain for the red-ball format.

McCullum backs Root's leadership

McCullum praised the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to hand the Test captaincy back to Root following Ben Stokes' retirement. He believes Root's experience, leadership qualities, and understanding of the game make him the perfect choice to lead England during a rebuilding phase. 

Harry Brook seen as future captain

While backing Root for the present, McCullum made it clear that Harry Brook is a key part of England's long-term leadership plans. He said the young batter will be mentored and developed to eventually take over the Test captaincy in the future. 

Stephen Fleming's arrival welcomed

McCullum also praised the appointment of Stephen Fleming as England's new Test head coach, saying his vast coaching experience will strengthen the red-ball side and help shape the team's future

England enters rebuilding phase

With Root back as captain, Fleming taking charge of the Test team, and Brook being groomed for leadership, England appears to be focused on building a stable long-term structure after a period of transition. The changes are aimed at restoring consistency and strengthening England's position in Test cricket.

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he hopes to become England's head coach after retiring from professional cricket, saying he wants to remain actively involved in the game beyond his playing career.

The 35-year-old all-rounder, who is expected to retire from international cricket in June 2026, said he is already preparing for the next phase of his career by completing his coaching qualifications.

Preparing for Life After Retirement

Speaking on the Love of Cricket podcast, Stokes said he is pursuing his Level-3 coaching certification so that he is ready to transition into coaching once his playing career comes to an end.

"I want all my coaching preparations to be complete when I stop playing. I want to stay involved with cricket," Stokes said.

One of England's greatest modern all-rounders, Stokes has represented his country in 122 Tests, 114 One-Day Internationals and 43 T20 Internationals, while leading the Test side during the aggressive "Bazball" era.

Concern Over Joe Root's Captaincy

Stokes also spoke about England's new Test captain Joe Root, expressing concern about the pressure leadership can place on him.

According to Stokes, Root has always prioritised the team's success over his own performance, and he hopes the added responsibility does not affect his game.

He said his biggest concern was ensuring Root does not place excessive pressure on himself, recalling the challenges he faced during his previous stint as Test captain.

Surprised by Harry Brook Decision

The former skipper admitted he expected Harry Brook to succeed him as England's Test captain.

Brook, who served as vice-captain and currently leads England's white-ball teams, was widely viewed as a potential candidate for the role.

Stokes said he was surprised by the selectors' decision and believes players with leadership potential should be given opportunities to captain the national side.

Retirement Influenced by Ashes Timeline

Stokes said the decision to retire was made only after carefully assessing whether he could continue performing at the highest level through the 2027 Ashes.

After considering his fitness and long-term plans, he concluded that stepping away from international cricket was the right decision and indicated that he has no intention of reversing it.

Big Bash League Interest Grows

Although retirement from international cricket is approaching, Stokes is unlikely to step away from franchise cricket.

Australian media reports suggest several Big Bash League (BBL) franchises are interested in signing the England all-rounder, with Sydney Sixers reportedly leading the race.

If the deal materialises, Stokes could reportedly earn around AUD 600,000 (approximately ₹3.4 crore), potentially making him the highest-paid overseas player in Big Bash League history.

A move to Sydney would also reunite him with former England white-ball coach Matthew Mott, under whom England won the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

One of England's Modern Greats

Stokes has enjoyed an illustrious international career, scoring more than 7,000 Test runs, including 14 centuries, while also claiming 252 Test wickets.

He played pivotal roles in England's memorable victories in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final and the famous Headingley Ashes Test the same year, performances that cemented his reputation as one of cricket's greatest match-winners.

As his playing career enters its final phase, Stokes has made it clear that coaching—and continuing to contribute to English cricket—remains firmly on his agenda.

Speaking on the BBC's Stumped podcast, Greenberg said there are currently no formal plans to move an Ashes-related Test to India, but emphasised that cricket administrators should remain open to innovative ideas that can expand the global reach of the game.

According to Greenberg, India represents one of the most significant markets for international cricket, and there is growing scope to deliver premium cricket content outside the traditional bilateral calendar.

"We should consider every opportunity," Greenberg said, adding that Cricket Australia enjoys strong working relationships with both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He noted that any future discussions would depend on scheduling and the broader international calendar rather than commercial interest alone.

While stressing that no proposal has been finalised, Greenberg suggested that exhibition-style Test matches or special events in India could become viable in the years ahead if logistical challenges are resolved.

One of the biggest obstacles, however, remains the increasingly crowded international cricket calendar.

Greenberg acknowledged that fitting additional marquee fixtures into an already packed schedule is becoming increasingly difficult. He remarked that international cricket has reached a stage where the demand for elite contests exceeds the number of available playing days.

"There are only 365 days in a year," he said, noting that administrators would ideally want "another month or two" to accommodate the volume of cricket that boards and broadcasters would like to stage.

The comments come at a time when cricket boards across the world are searching for new revenue streams while balancing bilateral commitments, ICC tournaments and expanding domestic franchise leagues.

Cricket Australia has already taken a major step towards increasing its presence in India. The opening fixture of this year's Big Bash League (BBL) is scheduled to be played at Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, marking the first time a BBL match will be staged on Indian soil.

The opening game will feature Melbourne Renegades against Perth Scorchers and is expected to serve as a test case for taking Australian domestic cricket to overseas markets.

Industry observers believe that if the initiative proves successful, it could encourage cricket boards to explore similar international exhibition events, including high-profile Test matches involving traditional rivals.

The financial importance of the Indian market has also become increasingly evident for other cricket boards.

The ECB's recent financial report highlighted that series involving India remain among its most commercially valuable international fixtures. Broadcasting revenues and sponsorship linked to India's tours contribute significantly to the board's financial stability.

Despite hosting both the men's and women's Ashes in 2027, the ECB has projected financial pressure in the coming years, underlining the growing importance of commercially attractive international contests.

Meanwhile, preparations continue for the next chapter of the historic Ashes rivalry.

Australia and England are scheduled to meet in England for the next Ashes series in 2027. Before that, the two teams will contest a special day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match.

The commemorative pink-ball fixture will not count towards the Ashes series but is expected to be one of the landmark events in international cricket.

Although the prospect of an Australia-England Test in India remains at an exploratory stage, Greenberg's comments reflect the changing landscape of global cricket, where commercial expansion, broadcast audiences and international partnerships are increasingly influencing how and where elite cricket is played.

The search for a new red-ball coach gained momentum after England's recent home Test series defeat to New Zealand, which prompted a review of the team's performance and coaching structure. While the ECB has not officially announced a successor, Langer is understood to be among the strongest contenders currently under consideration.

The development comes amid speculation surrounding several high-profile names from international cricket. However, former India head coaches Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri are reportedly not part of the race, despite their extensive experience at the highest level.

Former England coach Andy Flower, another respected figure who was linked with the position, has also stepped away from contention. His decision has further narrowed the field and strengthened Langer's position as a leading candidate.

Langer's coaching résumé remains one of the strongest in world cricket. He took charge of the Australian men's team in 2018 following one of the most turbulent periods in the country's cricketing history. Under his leadership, Australia rebuilt its image and returned to the top level of international competition.

During his tenure, Australia won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021 and retained the Ashes against England. Langer was widely credited for restoring discipline and creating a stronger team culture after the fallout from the ball-tampering scandal that had shaken Australian cricket.

His potential appointment would represent a significant move by England as the team looks to regroup after recent setbacks in the longest format.

The ECB is believed to be searching for a coach capable of maintaining England's aggressive style of Test cricket while improving consistency against top-ranked opponents. England's defeat to New Zealand exposed several weaknesses in the squad, leading to increased scrutiny of the team's long-term direction.

One factor likely to influence discussions is Langer's current role in franchise cricket.

The former Australian coach is presently associated with Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. If he accepts the England Test coaching position, scheduling demands and workload considerations could make it difficult for him to continue his IPL commitments.

Although no decision has been announced regarding his franchise future, a move to England would almost certainly require adjustments to his coaching calendar.

The coaching vacancy has attracted widespread attention because England remains one of the most prominent teams in world cricket. The new coach will be expected to prepare the side for a demanding international schedule that includes major bilateral series and future World Test Championship campaigns.

For England, securing the right appointment is viewed as crucial to rebuilding momentum in red-ball cricket.

Neither Langer nor the ECB has publicly commented on the reports, and the board has yet to confirm a final shortlist. Sources close to the process indicate that discussions remain ongoing and that a formal announcement could still take some time.

While uncertainty remains over the final decision, Justin Langer's name continues to dominate the conversation. If selected, he would become one of the most high-profile overseas coaches to lead England's Test side and take charge of a team eager to return to winning ways after a difficult series against New Zealand.

The decision comes at a turbulent time for English cricket, with the national side struggling for results in the longest format and former captain Ben Stokes having already stepped away from international cricket in recent weeks. The twin developments effectively bring an end to the aggressive "Bazball" era that reshaped England’s approach to Test cricket over the last four years.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that McCullum will no longer oversee the Test team, though he is expected to continue his involvement with England’s white-ball setup. The move follows a disappointing stretch in which England lost seven of their last nine Test matches, raising questions about the sustainability of the attacking philosophy that had initially transformed the side.

McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, took charge of England’s Test team in 2022. Working alongside Stokes, he introduced a fearless brand of cricket built around positive intent, rapid scoring and aggressive decision-making. At a time when England had struggled badly for results, the approach immediately produced a dramatic turnaround.

The early months of the McCullum-Stokes partnership were marked by a string of memorable victories. England chased down challenging fourth-innings targets, scored at unprecedented rates and earned praise for making Test cricket more entertaining. The team’s success also sparked a wider debate about whether traditional approaches to the format needed to evolve.

However, the momentum gradually faded.

Several high-profile defeats over the last two seasons exposed the risks associated with constant attacking cricket. Critics argued that England’s commitment to aggressive tactics sometimes came at the expense of match awareness and game management, particularly in pressure situations.

The recent home series defeat against New Zealand intensified scrutiny. With England already searching for answers following a poor run of results, the board appears to have concluded that a fresh direction is needed before future marquee assignments, including the next Ashes cycle.

McCullum acknowledged the decision and thanked players and support staff for their commitment during his tenure. While disappointed to leave the Test role, he indicated that he would continue focusing on England’s limited-overs teams.

The end of McCullum’s tenure also leaves England searching for a new leadership structure. Stokes’ departure created a vacancy in the captaincy, and several names have already been discussed as potential successors. Among them, Harry Brook is widely viewed as a leading candidate given his growing influence within the squad and strong performances across formats.

The ECB is also expected to begin the process of identifying a new Test coach. Former international players and experienced domestic coaches are likely to be considered as England looks to balance attacking cricket with greater consistency.

Beyond personnel changes, attention will now turn to whether England alters the playing style that became synonymous with Bazball. Under McCullum and Stokes, pitches often favoured aggressive batting and high-scoring contests. Some analysts believe England could return to more traditional conditions that place greater emphasis on seam bowling and tactical discipline.

What remains undisputed is the impact McCullum had on England’s Test identity. Even critics acknowledge that the New Zealander revived interest in the format and encouraged players to approach the game with greater freedom.

As England prepares for a new era, the challenge will be retaining the confidence and positivity that defined Bazball while addressing the shortcomings that ultimately contributed to its decline. The coming months could determine whether England builds on that legacy or moves decisively in a different direction.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that McCullum will no longer serve as England's Test head coach after four years in charge, although he will continue leading the country's white-ball teams. The decision comes after a difficult run in red-ball cricket, including a home Test series defeat to New Zealand and a disappointing Ashes campaign, prompting the ECB to begin searching for a new direction ahead of future assignments.

According to reports in the British media, Rahul Dravid is among the names under consideration as England looks to appoint a successor. Former England coach Andy Flower, ex-England spinner Richard Dawson and several other experienced coaches are also believed to be in the discussion.

Dravid's inclusion has attracted considerable attention given his long association with Indian cricket. Widely regarded as one of the game's finest technicians, he previously guided India's senior men's team before stepping away from the role. During his tenure, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup and also reached the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship, while continuing to develop a strong pool of young cricketers.

Despite his impressive coaching credentials, reports suggest Dravid has shown little interest in returning to a full-time international coaching assignment. However, the England Test role is said to offer a different working structure, with longer breaks between assignments compared to year-round responsibilities attached to coaching all formats. That has led to suggestions that the position could be more compatible with his personal preferences.

McCullum's departure marks the end of the highly publicised "Bazball" era that transformed England's approach to Test cricket after his appointment in 2022 alongside then-captain Ben Stokes. England initially enjoyed remarkable success with its aggressive style of play, winning a series of memorable matches and reviving interest in the format.

However, recent performances failed to match those early achievements. England struggled for consistency, losing several important Test series, and the ECB eventually decided that a change was necessary as preparations begin for next year's Ashes campaign. While McCullum's work in Test cricket has concluded, the board has retained him as head coach of the ODI and T20 teams after England's continued success in white-ball cricket.

The search for England's next Test coach is expected to attract global interest, with several experienced international coaches and former players linked to the position. No official shortlist has been released by the ECB, and there has been no confirmation that Dravid has been approached or expressed interest in the role.

For Indian cricket followers, the possibility of one of the country's most respected cricket minds taking charge of England would represent an unusual chapter in the sport's history. Such appointments have been rare, particularly involving former Indian head coaches moving to another major international side.

At present, the reports remain speculative, and the ECB is yet to announce a timeline for appointing its new Test coach. Until then, Rahul Dravid's name is expected to remain at the centre of discussions surrounding one of international cricket's most significant coaching vacancies.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has introduced a strict new alcohol policy for England's men's cricket team, prohibiting players from consuming alcohol during matches and until one day after the conclusion of every home series or overseas tour fixture. The move follows a series of off-field controversies involving England players and is aimed at strengthening discipline, professionalism and player welfare.

According to a report by The Telegraph, the new guidelines form part of a broader code of conduct governing player behaviour on and off the field. The ECB said the measures are designed to protect the reputation of English cricket while ensuring players remain focused on performance, preparation and recovery.

Alcohol Ban Covers Match Days and Recovery Period

Under the revised policy, England players will not be allowed to consume alcohol during any match or on the day immediately following its conclusion.

For example, if a Test match finishes on the fifth day, players will remain prohibited from drinking until the sixth day. The restrictions apply throughout home series and overseas tours.

The policy marks a significant departure from the long-standing tradition of players celebrating victories with alcohol immediately after matches.

New Off-Field Conduct Rules

The ECB has also retained its existing midnight curfew policy. Players who are not back at the team hotel by 10 pm must inform team management or security personnel of their whereabouts.

The new code further prohibits players from:

• Appearing on social media while under the influence of alcohol.

• Posting photographs or videos related to drinking alcohol.

• Consuming alcohol in public places without prior approval from ECB Managing Director Rob Key or head coach Brendon McCullum.

The policy also discourages players from drinking privately during matches, emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards of preparation, recovery and professionalism.

According to the report, the objective is to "protect the players, the reputation of cricket in England and Wales, and the ECB, while optimising player performance."

Policy Follows High-Profile Controversies

The stricter rules come after a series of incidents involving England players attracted public attention.

The most prominent was the nightclub controversy involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, who reportedly breached team curfew after England's victory over New Zealand at Lord's by visiting a nightclub in Chelsea.

During the outing, an altercation reportedly took place involving Saracens academy rugby player Totoa Auvaa, who allegedly struck ECB security official James Shaw, leaving him with facial injuries requiring stitches.

The incident prompted renewed scrutiny of player discipline and intensified calls for tighter behavioural standards.

Previous Incidents Raised Concerns

The Stokes-Atkinson episode was not an isolated case.

Earlier in the year, England's white-ball captain Harry Brook was reportedly involved in an incident outside a nightclub in Wellington before an ODI against New Zealand.

During the Ashes series, opener Ben Duckett also drew attention after a video showing him apparently under the influence of alcohol circulated on social media.

These incidents collectively contributed to growing concerns within the ECB regarding player conduct and the team's public image.

Focus on Professional Standards

The revised policy reflects the ECB's broader effort to reinforce professional standards within the England setup under the current management structure.

By tightening off-field regulations, the board aims to minimise distractions, improve player recovery and maintain discipline during international assignments.

The new guidelines are expected to apply across future England tours and home series, with management closely monitoring compliance as part of the team's overall performance and welfare programme.

England have announced a revamped 15-member squad for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, making several major changes after their disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia earlier this year. The squad, revealed on Wednesday, marks the beginning of a new phase under recently appointed national selector Marcus North, who has introduced fresh faces and recalled experienced players in an attempt to rebuild England’s red-ball setup ahead of an important home summer.

The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the exclusion of opening batter Zak Crawley. Once regarded as one of England’s most promising Test batters, Crawley has struggled for consistency over the last year, and his poor returns in the Ashes series eventually forced the selectors to look elsewhere. Replacing him is Durham opener Emilio Gay, who has been rewarded for his exceptional performances in county cricket this season.

Gay has been one of the standout performers in the County Championship, scoring 552 runs at an impressive average of 92, including three centuries. The 24-year-old left-hander is expected to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett and could make his Test debut at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground when the three-match series begins on June 4.

Another notable inclusion is Somerset youngster James Rew, who has been selected as a backup batter and wicketkeeping option. Rew has consistently impressed in domestic cricket with his calm batting temperament and adaptability. England see him as one of the future prospects in red-ball cricket, and his inclusion signals the selectors’ willingness to invest in youth ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle.

The squad also includes uncapped fast bowler Sonny Baker from Hampshire. Baker recently grabbed attention with a five-wicket haul in county cricket and has earned his maiden national call-up. England management believes his raw pace and attacking style could prove useful, especially with injuries affecting the pace department.

England’s bowling attack has undergone significant changes due to the absence of several senior fast bowlers. Mark Wood and Brydon Carse have both been ruled out because of injuries, creating opportunities for others to step up. One of the biggest beneficiaries is Ollie Robinson, who returns to the Test setup after nearly two years.

Robinson’s comeback follows a strong domestic season with Sussex, where he recently picked up six wickets and demonstrated improved rhythm and fitness. The tall seamer is expected to play a key role alongside Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue in England’s pace attack. Robinson’s ability to maintain tight lines and extract movement from English conditions could be crucial against a strong New Zealand batting lineup.

Captain Ben Stokes is also likely to contribute with the ball. Since recovering from previous fitness concerns, Stokes has gradually increased his bowling workload and may once again be used as a fourth seam option during the series.

England have selected two spin options in the squad — Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir. Young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed continues to be viewed as one of England’s exciting all-format talents. He is currently part of Delhi Capitals in the IPL but will join the national squad ahead of the series. Bashir, meanwhile, has impressed with his control and consistency in county cricket while representing Derbyshire.

Conditions at Lord’s traditionally favor seam bowlers, so England may opt for only one specialist spinner in the playing XI. However, both Rehan and Bashir are expected to play important roles during the series, particularly if the pitches begin to wear later in the matches.

The rest of the batting lineup features several familiar names, including Joe Root and Harry Brook. Root remains England’s most experienced batter and will once again be central to the team’s middle-order stability. Brook, despite an inconsistent Ashes series, continues to enjoy strong backing from the team management due to his aggressive batting style and match-winning potential.

Jacob Bethell has also retained his place in the squad after showing promise in recent appearances. Jamie Smith will continue as the primary wicketkeeper, while Matthew Fisher provides additional pace-bowling depth.

England’s squad announcement also included a historic coaching decision. Former England women’s star Sarah Taylor has been appointed as the fielding coach for the men’s Test team during the New Zealand series. She becomes the first woman to work with the senior England men’s side in such a role.

Taylor has been brought in on a short-term basis to replace Carl Hopkinson, who is currently working with Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers and fielders in women’s cricket history, Taylor’s appointment has been praised as a progressive step by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The upcoming Test series against New Zealand is expected to be an important challenge for England as they look to rebuild confidence after their Ashes disappointment. The selectors’ decision to make seven changes reflects a clear intent to refresh the squad and reward domestic performances.

New Zealand, known for their disciplined bowling and resilient batting, are expected to provide strong competition. England will hope that the blend of youth and experience in the squad helps them start the home summer positively and lay the foundation for future Test success.

The full England squad for the first Test includes Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

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Just weeks before the highly anticipated player auction for The Hundred 2026, the tournament has been rocked by controversy. Multiple reports confirmed by BBC Sport reveal that the four franchises with Indian Premier League (IPL) ownership are unlikely to bid for any Pakistan internationals, continuing what agents describe as an "unwritten rule" across global T20 leagues with Indian investment .

The development threatens to undermine the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) commitment to diversity just as the competition enters a new financial era following a £500m private investment influx.

Which Teams Are Affected?

The decision impacts half of the eight teams in the competition. Manchester Super Giants (co-owned by Lucknow Super Giants' RPSG Group), MI London (Mumbai Indians), Southern Brave (Delhi Capitals' GMR Group), and Sunrisers Leeds (Sunrisers Hyderabad) are all at least partially controlled by entities with deep roots in the IPL .

According to the BBC, a senior ECB official reportedly informed a player agent that interest in Pakistan players would be "limited to sides not linked to the IPL." One agent described the situation as an industry-wide reality, stating it is simply "a given" that Indian-owned franchises will not risk political backlash by signing players from across the border .

63 Pakistan Players in Limbo

The irony of the situation is stark. Despite the apparent blockade, a massive 63 Pakistan cricketers have registered for the March auction . The list includes almost all of Pakistan's T20 stars, such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, and new white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha .

They join a pool of nearly 1,000 international players hoping to secure a contract in the competition, which runs from July 21 to August 16. However, with four teams effectively ruling themselves out, the remaining four franchises—London Spirit, Welsh Fire, Birmingham Phoenix, and Trent Rockets—represent the only potential destinations for Pakistani talent.

ECB Responds Amid Pressure

The ECB finds itself in a difficult position. While it sold stakes in the teams, it retains control of the competition and insists on anti-discrimination policies.

An ECB spokesperson reiterated the board's official stance: "The Hundred welcomes men's and women's players from all over the world and we would expect the eight teams to reflect that" .

However, former England captain Michael Vaughan has demanded urgent action. Reacting to the reports on social media, Vaughan wrote: "The ECB need to act fast on this. They own the league and this should not be allowed to happen. The most inclusive sport in the country is not one that allows this to happen" .

Last year, ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould attempted to soothe fears, stating he expected "players from all nations to be selected for all teams" and that anti-discrimination policies were in place to ensure fairness .

A Global Pattern: From SA20 to ILT20

This is not an isolated incident. The same IPL-linked franchises have consistently avoided Pakistan players in other leagues.

- SA20 (South Africa): Since its 2023 launch, no Pakistan player has featured. All six teams are IPL-owned .

- ILT20 (UAE): Over four seasons, franchises controlled by the owners of MI London and Southern Brave have signed zero Pakistan players, while American-owned Desert Vipers have recruited eight .

Tom Moffat, chief executive of the World Cricketers' Association, stressed the importance of fair play. "Every player should have the right to fair and equal opportunity," he said. "While employers have autonomy in recruitment, those decisions should always align with principles of fairness, equality and respect" .

What Happens Next?

The player auction is scheduled for March 11 and 12 in London .

While franchises like Birmingham Phoenix have publicly stated they pick players "based on what they bring on the field," the silence from the four IPL-linked teams is deafening . As one prominent agent told the BBC, "Our players do not seek favours, they seek a fair field. I hope I am proven wrong" .

With the tournament set to begin on July 21, the coming weeks will determine whether The Hundred lives up to its name as a competition for all, or whether geopolitical tensions drawn a line through the team sheets.

England’s troubled Ashes tour in Australia has taken a fresh off-field twist as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed it is investigating a viral “Ben Duckett drunk video” allegedly filmed during the team’s mid-series break in Noosa.

The clip, widely shared on X, appears to show the England opener intoxicated and struggling to remember the way back to his team hotel after the second Test defeat in Brisbane.

What the viral Ben Duckett drunk video shows

In the 70–80 second clip circulating on social media, a man identified as Ben Duckett is seen slurring his speech while talking to a small group outside what appears to be a pub in Noosa. When a woman asks if he knows how to get home, he replies “No,” appearing confused and disoriented as others try to guide him. The video also captures Duckett using expletives and saying “I’ll order an Uber on your phone” as he asks for help getting back.

The footage is reported to have been filmed during England’s four-day stay in the Sunshine Coast resort town between the second and third Ashes Tests, a trip that was originally billed as a chance for players to “refresh and unwind” after going 2-0 down. Its emergence has intensified scrutiny of the squad’s off-field behaviour amid an already “nightmare” Ashes campaign.

ECB’s official response and ongoing investigation

The ECB issued a brief statement saying it is “aware of content circulating on social media” and is now “establishing the facts” around the Ben Duckett drunk video and broader reports of drinking during the Noosa break. The board reiterated that it has “high expectations” of player behaviour, acknowledged the intense public scrutiny cricketers face, and said it would not comment further until the investigation is complete.

Rob Key, managing director of England men’s cricket, had already said earlier in the day that he would examine claims that the Noosa trip resembled a “stag do” with excessive alcohol consumption. “If there are things where people are saying that our players went out and drank excessively, then of course we’ll be looking into that,” Key told reporters, adding that heavy drinking during a major Test tour was not acceptable.

Noosa trip, Ashes failure and player pressure

The England camp travelled to Noosa for a four-night stay after their eight-wicket defeat in Brisbane, with head coach Brendon McCullum reportedly planning the break well in advance to help players reset mentally during the long tour. However, Australian media and fans closely followed the squad, with reports of players seen drinking on the high street and accusations that the break was poorly timed given the team’s on-field struggles.

England have already surrendered the Ashes, trailing 3-0 with the urn lost in just 11 days of play, turning the Noosa controversy into another flashpoint in a disastrous series. Former coaches and pundits have questioned whether discipline and preparation standards have slipped, while others argue that players are entitled to downtime and that such clips can lack full context.

Why the Ben Duckett drunk video matters now

For fans and the ECB, the Ben Duckett drunk video raises three key concerns:

• Image of the England team at a time of heavy defeat and intense media criticism.
  
  

• Player welfare and alcohol use under pressure during long overseas tours.
  
  

• Dressing-room culture and whether off-field habits are undermining performance.
  
  

Cricket analysts suggest this investigation could shape future tour protocols, including stricter monitoring of team breaks, clearer alcohol policies, and stronger support systems for players coping with stress.

As the ECB gathers evidence around the Ben Duckett drunk video and the Noosa allegations, the episode has already become a defining off-field story of the 2025–26 Ashes – one that England can ill afford after another failed bid to win the urn in Australia.