Drinking Culture Still Exists in Cricket Despite Greater Professionalism : Stokes

Sports Desk : With the modern era, cricket is now much more professional and disciplined. However, the old culture of drinking that is intertwined with the game still remains as before, believes former England captain Ben Stokes. However, he considers the matter as part of cricketing tradition rather than seeing it as a crime or irregularity within the team.

Speaking on the ‘For the Love of Cricket’ podcast, the 35-year-old all-rounder said that despite the modernisation of the game over time, this particular practice has not gone away from cricket. According to Stokes, who retired from international cricket last June, it is not a crime or a negative practice, but a part of cricketing culture that exists equally from the grassroots to the very top.

Asked whether the England team has a ‘problem’ with drinking, Stokes said clearly, ‘No, it is completely unfair to judge a team like that. I think there is a culture of drinking within cricket as a whole and that has not changed.’
Citing his own experience and observations, Stokes added, ‘We are standing in 2026. The game has become much more professional day by day, but its natural relationship with alcohol, right from club cricket to the international level, remains. This culture has not disappeared as the game has become professional.’

He added, “Those who think this is a personal problem for the England team are mistaken. This is actually a very old practice in cricket that is intertwined with the atmosphere of the game.”

Stokes, who was cleared of alcohol abuse after a 2018 Bristol nightclub incident, admitted that he struggled to control his drinking at one point in his career. However, he regained control after a brief hiatus during an injury in 2025. He said that while drinking itself is not harmful, it is important to maintain limits.

The all-rounder is not leaving cricket after retirement. He has already started a level-three coaching course. His main goal now is to lead the England cricket team in a new way from the dressing room.