ECB breached Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA; ICC contacts ECB over Ben Stokes retirement from the Test Cricket

Former Captain of England – Ben Stokes took retirement from international cricket at the third day of the Test match played Against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Before playing his last match, he informed his teammates regarding his decision of retirement.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB) over Ben Stokes retirement from the Test Cricket. ICC contacted the ECB Board over the timing and manner of his retirement amid the third test against New Zealand.

According to the reports, the ICC sent a letter to the ECB Board on the eve of the Women’s T20 world cup match at Lord’s. During this match, ECB Chairman Richard Thompson met ICC chairman Jay Shah .

But what really happened due to which ICC contacted ECB regarding his retirement, was the violation of the article 2.2.11 of the PMOA. But what is Article 2.2.11 ? Why is it related to the retirement of the Former captain of England- Ben Stokes?

Ben Stokes decision of retirement from international Cricket was made public on the third day of the test at the Trent Bridge. He took retirement amid the ongoing test and informed about his retirement to his teammates between the gap, before going back to play . His last message was recorded by the ECB in the dressing room,which was later posted on the social media handle of England Cricket.

The admin posted the video of the dressing room with a heartfelt thank you note, where Stokes was giving his last speech to the team.

The admin wrote-” One of the England’s all- time greatest Captain, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of the test match. He has been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could ever hope for”.

The footage had both audio and video, and was shared on the accounts handle at 15:25 local time, shortly before the team interval. Stokes was in the middle of a bowling spelling when his retirement news broke. And he got a wicket the very next moment.

But Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA clearly stated that there should be no fixed or temporary video cameras or any other recording equipment inside any dressing room for the purpose of shooting or broadcasting. Besides, the footage should not be out of the dressing room atleast before the end of the match. But ECB clearly breached this rule.

The PMOA regulations were introduced by the ICC to strengthen the sports anti- corruption framework by safeguarding the dressing rooms. ECB is yet to give an explanation regarding the footage and the letter sent by the ICC.