Ben Stokes pokes fun as ICC writes to ECB over allrounder's retirement video

Ben Stokes has poked fun at his own expense after the International Cricket Council (ICC) wrote to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), ruling that the allrounder’s retirement video, filmed inside the dressing room before the start of play on day four of the Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand, breached its Player and Match Officials’ Area (PMOA) regulations.

Reacting to a post from Telegraph Sport on X about the development, Stokes saw the lighter side and quipped “sack him,” referring to himself.

Sack him … https://t.co/LYQ5ZlYqDE

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) July 9, 2026

Stokes had informed his teammates of his decision to retire from international cricket before play began on day four at Trent Bridge. The announcement was made in the dressing room with players and support staff present, and the moment was captured by the ECB’s media team. The clip, complete with audio, was shared with the host broadcaster and released on social media before Tea, while Stokes was in the middle of a spell.

ICC’s PMOA Regulations

The ICC prohibits the use of communication devices within the PMOA, except under specific exemptions. Its guidelines state:

“Without exception, no player shall be in possession of, or use a communication device (such as a mobile phone or a device which is connected to the internet) while in the PMOA.”

This rule forms part of the ICC’s Anti‑Corruption Minimum Standards designed to safeguard the integrity of the game.

Why has the ICC put PMOA regulations in place?

ICC's PMOA regulations are a part of its broader attempt to "prevent corrupt practices undermining the integrity of the sport of cricket, including any efforts to influence improperly the outcome or any other aspect of any match; and to preserve public confidence in the readiness, willingness and ability of the ICC and its Member Boards to protect the sport from such corrupt practices."