'Cricketers Need To Understand Right Times To Drink'

ByMatthew Henry
BBC Sport Journalist


19 February 2026


Cricket does not have an alcohol issue however players "need to comprehend the time to have a beverage and the time not to", states previous England captain Alec Stewart.


Discussion around drinking dominated this winter's Ashes series in Australia with the behaviour of England's gamers greatly scrutinised throughout their 4-1 defeat in the Tests.


The England and Wales Cricket Board examined reports of players drinking exceedingly during a mid-series trip to Noosa, while white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a bar bouncer the night before a one-day match in New Zealand in November.


"Alcohol will not improve anybody's performance so this is why the education is so essential," stated Stewart, presently director of cricket at Surrey.


"People aren't going to just live like monks and be completely teetotal, however individuals need to comprehend the time to have a beverage and the time not to.


"The greater level you are, the more analysis you're under and for that reason the sacrifices are greater and for that reason be very selective in what you take into your body, whether that is food, whether that is beverage or whatever."


'Conversation needed over cricket drinking culture'


9 January


Stewart was speaking after being announced as the brand-new president of the Cricketers' Trust charity, which offers support to existing and former players and their households around their health and wellbeing.


He was likewise suggested as a potential candidate to change England's handling director Rob Key, though Key is anticipated to be given the opportunity to improve England's fortunes.


Selector Luke Wright left his position after the Ashes and is yet to be replaced.


The charity has released a new report to outline its work, consisting of supplying psychological health assistance to 239 present and former professional cricketers over the previous five years. There has actually been a 33% increase in treatment sessions from 667 in 2024 to 889 in 2025.


The report referrals eight cases of players going into "property rehab" - getting treatment in expert centers at which they can remain for a period of time supported economically by the trust - for different issues consisting of to alcohol, anxiety, gambling and drug abuse.


Speaking about the prominent discussion around alcohol this winter season, former batter Ian Thomas who now operates at the Professional Cricketers' Association and is a Cricketers' Trust trustee stated: "We have actually continued to work hard on the education front.


"It's something that remains in everyday life in society, however there is a duty for professional athletes and cricketers to make the best options at the right times and that's what our education had to do with.


"We're still going to have individuals make the incorrect choices and we're still going to have human error.


"The biggest part for us if that does take place is that we're able to select them up."


The report says more than half of the concerns impacting players associate with low mood, stress and anxiety and emotional assistance.


"We have actually got to make sure the support systems remain in location which individuals are not scared to really put a hand up and say I'm struggling," Stewart stated.


"It's constantly existed. It constantly will be there due to the fact that it's such a result-based company. This is where you have actually got to get the balance."


Cricket


Get sent directly to your phone