England’s cricket team will be under curfew during the upcoming T20 World Cup following recent incidents in New Zealand and Australia. The team’s poor performance in the last two tours has been overshadowed by off-the-field incidents involving alcohol.
After suffering defeats in New Zealand and a disastrous Ashes series, England faced criticism for their behavior, including a drunken incident involving Test vice-captain Harry Brook. Consequently, the England and Wales Cricket Board has imposed a curfew on the players for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup to ensure better conduct.
Players will be required to adhere to a midnight curfew and uphold the team’s image in public. The team is set to play matches in Sri Lanka before heading to India for the T20 World Cup in February.
Unfavorable comparisons were made regarding England’s mid-Ashes break in Noosa, with videos surfacing of intoxicated players. The incidents led to fines and public apologies, with Brook expressing remorse for his actions and pledging to learn from the experience.
The ECB is facing scrutiny over the team’s culture and behavior, with director of cricket Rob Key defending the players but acknowledging the need for professionalism. A review has been initiated to address performance, behavior, and tour planning following the Ashes series.