The Culture of Excess: Cricket’s Enduring Relationship with Booze

Ben Stokes’ candid comments on the drinking culture in cricket have sparked a necessary conversation about the sport’s enduring relationship with booze. As he spoke to the For the Love of Cricket podcast, it became clear that despite efforts to curb excess, the game remains stubbornly tied to its boozy past.

Stokes’ assertion that “cricket has a drinking culture and that hasn’t changed” is a stark admission from one of the sport’s most high-profile figures. His own experiences with alcohol, including his 2018 trial, have left an indelible mark on his career. Yet, he insists this culture is not unique to England but rather a pervasive issue within the game as a whole.

Cricket’s association with drinking dates back to the 1980s, when players would often socialize in taverns and pubs after matches. As the game evolved and became more professional, this culture persisted, becoming an accepted part of the cricketing tradition. The introduction of midnight curfews and guidelines advising players to avoid drinking on match days have been seen as attempts to curb excess, but these measures seem little more than Band-Aid solutions for a deeper issue.

Stokes’ own experiences with injury have led him to reevaluate his relationship with alcohol, but he acknowledges that changing the broader culture will be no easy task. “I think it can be a problem,” he admits. “I don’t know what you do to change it.” The relationship between cricket and alcohol is deeply ingrained, spanning from club level to the international stage.

The implications of this culture are far-reaching. It raises questions about player well-being and safety, as Stokes’ own experiences with injury have left him grappling with the consequences of his actions on and off the pitch. Moreover, it highlights the sport’s inability to adapt to changing times – a failing that is particularly evident in an era where professional sports teams are expected to prioritize athlete health and wellness.

The appointment of Stephen Fleming as England Test coach has been seen by some as a positive step towards reforming the team’s culture. However, Stokes’ own concerns about Root’s role as captain suggest that there may be more work to be done. “I’ve worked with Flem before,” he says, “but I told Joe, I said my only worry is just you.”

As we look ahead to the 2027 Ashes series, it remains to be seen whether Stokes’ words will lead to meaningful change within the England team. One thing is certain: until cricket’s relationship with booze is addressed head-on, the sport risks perpetuating a culture of excess that puts players and their health at risk.

It comes down to leadership – or rather, the lack thereof. As Stokes so astutely observes, “one thing that has just stayed within cricket is its relationship with alcohol.” It’s time for the game’s leaders to take a long, hard look in the mirror and confront this issue head-on. Anything less would be nothing short of irresponsible.