England's Ben Stokes faces ECB investigation, captaincy could be at risk after nightclub incident

England's cricket captain Ben Stokes and fast‑bowler Gus Atkinson were involved in an incident at a London nightclub on the morning of 8 June. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has opened an investigation, calling it a possible breach of team protocols, and has referred the matter to the sport's regulator.

If the probe leads to disciplinary action, Stokes may miss the second Test of the series against New Zealand at The Oval on 17 June, and his role as Test captain could be taken over by vice‑captain Harry Brook. The investigation comes after England's opening Test win over New Zealand, heightening scrutiny of the team's leadership ahead of the next match.