Ian Botham criticizes Ben Stokes following international retirement

Former England cricket legend Sir Ian Botham has reignited a public feud with retired all-rounder Ben Stokes, labeling him a ‘stupid boy’ and a ‘self-indulgent has-been’ in recent comments.

The criticism, published in The Times Magazine, stems from long-standing disagreements regarding England’s Ashes preparations in Australia during late 2025. Botham previously criticized the team’s decision to forgo traditional state practice matches in favor of internal warm-ups, a move he described as ‘arrogance.’

Botham also addressed reports of players engaging in drinking sessions during a mid-series trip to Noosa, Queensland, in December 2025. The tension between the two players escalated following Stokes’ remarks about how modern players prepare differently than ‘has-beens’ of the past. Stokes officially retired from international cricket in June 2026.