ICC takes no action against ECB over Ben Stokes retirement video

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will take no action against the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following a video of Ben Stokes announcing his retirement. The footage, captured in the England dressing room before the fourth day of a Test against New Zealand and later shared with broadcasters and on social media, had raised concerns.

Sharing the video and audio before the conclusion of the Test match risked violating standards for players' and match officials' areas (PMOA). These rules are in place to support anti-corruption measures. The ICC had previously informed the ECB that any footage shot in these areas must not carry audio or be released before a match's end.

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Sack him.

Ben Stokes himself humorously reacted to the ICC's letter on social media, posting "Sack him." The ICC had formally written to the ECB on July 4, suggesting a breach of article 2.2.11 of the PMOA minimum standards. This article states that national cricket federations must ensure no video or recording equipment is set up in dressing rooms for broadcasting purposes.

Stokes later explained that the timing of the public announcement was a pre-arranged plan between his agents and the ECB. The announcement was made at 3:25 PM BST while Stokes was bowling, and he took a wicket with his first ball after the news broke. The Test match, and Stokes' international career, concluded the following day. The ICC and ECB have not commented on the matter, which is understood to have been resolved amicably.

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You guys work with Michael Lumb and Neil Fairbrother, who work with me, and you guys just come up with a plan.