Joe Root has officially scrapped the midnight curfew for the England cricket team as he begins his second stint as Test captain. The restriction, previously implemented following several off-field incidents, is now lifted for both the Test and limited-overs squads. Root expressed his desire for the players to behave like adults, emphasizing that the team should be defined by their performance on the pitch rather than extracurricular activities.
The curfew was originally reinstated earlier this year after concerns arose during tours of New Zealand and Australia, and later following a controversy involving former captain Ben Stokes. Root, however, believes the rule is ineffective. He argues that players must take personal responsibility for their conduct off the field to maintain professionalism. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the policy shift, noting that the new leadership will focus on establishing high standards and culture independently.
While the midnight deadline is gone, players remain under guidance regarding alcohol consumption. Recommendations discourage public drinking around match days to prioritize recovery and performance. These updated guidelines apply specifically to the senior men’s team, as other England squads maintain their own unique frameworks.
