Ben Stokes nightclub altercation sparks ECB probe

England Test captain Ben Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson celebrated the recent Test victory over New Zealand at the White Horse pub in southwest London before moving to the Rex Rooms nightclub. A dispute over a VIP table escalated into a physical altercation, during which a security guard was struck.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has opened an investigation into possible breaches of team protocol and disciplinary rules. Both players could miss the remaining Test matches in the series, with vice‑captain Harry Brook expected to lead if Stokes is suspended. The incident follows a previous nightclub controversy involving Stokes in 2017, which also triggered disciplinary action.