Former England cricket captain Ben Stokes has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the sport's drinking culture, while also outlining his future coaching ambitions. Stokes, who retired from international cricket in June 2026, spoke candidly about the relationship between cricket and alcohol during a recent podcast appearance with former teammates Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler.
Stokes rejected the notion that the England team has a drinking problem, calling such claims “extreme.” However, he acknowledged that a drinking culture has long been woven into cricket, dating back decades. “Cricket has a drinking culture and that has not changed,” Stokes said. He described alcohol as a persistent element within the sport, from grassroots club cricket through to the professional ranks, and admitted that this relationship could become problematic. Reflecting on his own experience, Stokes said he has had times when his relationship with alcohol was “potentially dangerous,” but emphasized that his situation has since improved.
The 35-year-old also discussed his aspirations beyond playing. Currently progressing through level three coaching qualifications, Stokes expressed a strong desire to transition into a coaching role, with the ultimate goal of one day leading England. “I like the idea of being in some form of leadership away from playing,” he said, emphasizing the satisfaction he derives from influencing and guiding others.
Stokes’ retirement followed a turbulent period for the England team, including his own suspension after an incident in a London nightclub involving bowler Gus Atkinson, which caused him to miss the second Test against New Zealand. The team has also faced scrutiny over its off-field conduct, particularly during the previous Ashes series, which was marred by allegations of excessive drinking during a mid-series break in Noosa.
Looking ahead, Stokes voiced concerns about England’s decision to reappoint Joe Root as Test captain following the departure of coach Brendon McCullum, even though Root will work alongside new coach Stephen Fleming. Stokes questioned why Harry Brook, the current vice-captain, was overlooked for the captaincy despite his leadership qualities. “If you think someone is going to be a good captain, just give it to them,” Stokes said, praising Brook’s cricketing intelligence and natural leadership instincts.
Stokes also revealed that his retirement was influenced by a desire to play away from the intense public scrutiny, preferring to focus on domestic cricket with Durham and participate in overseas franchise tournaments such as South Africa’s T20 league and Australia’s Big Bash. He disclosed he is recovering from a cheekbone fracture sustained in a nets accident, which required surgical insertion of four metal plates and 16 screws.
He indicated that he would reserve his detailed thoughts on the ongoing investigation into England’s team curfew breach for a future occasion, likely in a written memoir.