Former England all-rounder Ben Stokes has again cast doubt on his retirement with a two-word cryptic statement on social media after reports emerged that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over his decision to retire.Stokes, who announced his decision to retire from international cricket during the Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand, shared a report on the ICC’s objections to the ECB on social media and added just two words: “Fire him…”The clip quickly went viral, sparking a debate among fans as to whether Stokes’ resignation was his idea or whether it came amid serious controversy within English cricket.
ICC probes ECB over retirement announcement video
The controversy stems from footage taken inside the England dressing room before the fourth day of the Trent Bridge Test, where Stokes told his teammates he was retiring from international cricket.The ECB later released the video, complete with audio, on television and to broadcasters shortly before tea while the test was still underway.According to BBC reports, the ICC has spoken to the ECB saying the book could breach its restrictive Players’ and Match Officials’ Areas (PMOA) policy, which prohibits permanent or temporary recording equipment in dressing rooms for broadcast purposes.The governing body’s rules also state that recordings in the player’s area must not contain audio or be released before the game.In a letter sent to the ECB, the ICC said that broadcasting Stokes’ address to the dressing room before the end of the Test was against the rules, which were designed to support the anti-corruption system.Neither the ECB nor the ICC has commented on the matter.
Stokes’ writings inspire new ideas
Stokes’ decision to rewrite the report with the words “Get rid of him…” immediately attracted a lot of attention on the Internet.Although the rounder did not elaborate on what he said, many of his followers interpreted it as tongue in cheek, while others said that it sparked speculation about his retirement.In announcing his retirement during the Trent Bridge Test, Stokes explained that the timing of the announcement had been worked out together with his management team and the ECB.No sooner had news of his retirement been made public, Stokes struck with his next delivery, dismissing New Zealand’s Zak Foulkes before ending his international career the next day.The ICC investigation comes at a difficult time for English cricket, with the ECB also looking for a new Test manager ahead of the upcoming series against Pakistan following Stokes’ retirement.