England bring in major alcohol restrictions after Stokes-Atkinson's nightclub controversy

England have introduced fresh regulations surrounding the consumption of alcohol after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were involved in a nightclub melee after their first Test match against New Zealand last month.

One of the major new rules under the policy, signed off by Managing Director Rob Key, prohibits players from consuming alcohol in public, including hotels, unless Key or head coach Brendon McCullum suggest otherwise. According to The Telegraph Sport, the new policy has been introduced to protect players, the reputation of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the game, and enhance their on-field performances.

It also makes a drastic change to an existing rule, forbidding players from having alcohol even after the game is over, something that used to be a ritual to enjoy a post-match drink. This means that if a Test match ends in five days, the alcohol ban would be lifted a day after the game is concluded.

The ECB introduced a midnight curfew after England's 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia in the winter. The measures were brought in after the team were seen having a drink in Noosa, Queensland, in the middle of the series, adding to Harry Brook's altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, New Zealand.

According to the aforementioned source, the ECB were extremely upset with Stokes and Atkinson's antics, with the latter not even knowing that a curfew was in place.

Stokes reacts after ICC questions ECB over protocol breach

Amongst all the off-field controversies surrounding England's recent home series against the Black Caps, the Three Lions suffered a 2-1 defeat, resulting in captain Stokes retiring from international cricket altogether.