England’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler and former pacer Stuart Broad have dismissed claims that the current Test side has a “drinking problem” following off-field controversies during the Ashes, but admitted players could have handled themselves better to avoid damaging headlines.
Speaking on The Love of Cricket podcast, Buttler argued that “a lot of it is optics” but added that players must be cautious of thier actions in public.
“You’ve got to be so aware. Your team-mates look after you, but you’ve got to look after yourself. That is a price you pay for being an international cricketer and playing for England,” said Buttler, who is set to join the white-ball squad in Sri Lanka as England prepare for the T20 World Cup.
Broad said that isolated incidents, rather than a systemic issue, led to scrutiny after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.
What triggered the controversy?
According to media reports, England may reinstate a player curfew ahead of their upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and India. These reports emerged after claims that the Ashes squad engaged in ‘six straight days of heavy drinking’ following the second Test, when the team was already 2-0 down. Multiple social media videos also appeared to show opener Ben Duckett looking confused outside a resort.
Adding to the scrutiny, England Test vice-captain Harry Brook was fined £30,000 (approximately Rs 36,35,742) after an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand.
Reports sparked debate over professionalism and a possible return of a midnight curfew for England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.
Broad: No ‘drinking culture’, but teammates must step in
Speaking on The Love of Cricket podcast, Broad insisted the squad does not have a drinking problem, stressing that teammates should take responsibility for protecting one another in the public.
“They’ve just had a couple of guys who have made mistakes and that’s got into the media,” Broad said.
“That’s when your culture’s really strong when team-mates get you out of those situations.”
The 39-year-old, who retired after the 2023 Ashes, added that curfews can be counterproductive if trust and accountability already exist within the group.
Broad explains why curfews may not be the answer
Broad argued that international cricketers need a mental release after spending months away from home, and that rigid rules may not address the real issue.
“Cricketers are away six months of the year in hotels… but there isn’t a drinking culture. I’ll hang my hat on that.”
Instead, he said the focus should be on avoiding trouble, not avoiding downtime.