England cricketers Stokes and Atkinson 'not to blame for violent conduct' during nightclub incident

England cricket captain Ben Stokes, and player Gus Atkinson, have been given written warnings over their visit to a London nightclub.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the formal reprimands over the incident that led to the players missing the second Test against New Zealand.

The board's statement added that "no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub" and that Atkinson "was the victim of unprovoked attacks".

Both players are due to return for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Thursday with Stokes to resume the captaincy.

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The ECB concluded that Atkinson was subjected to two separate attacks and did not retaliate.

A member of England's security staff was reportedly injured but Stokes was not present when the physical scuffle took place.

A statement from the ECB read: "Stokes and Atkinson were found to have breached specific contractual obligations that require England players to at all times maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket.

"In addition to not being considered for selection for the second Rothesay Test, they have both been given a written warning as to their conduct. It was also concluded that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub.

"Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion."

There had been suggestions Stokes could resign as captain or retire from international cricket.

England coach Brendon McCullum admitted he was "slightly bewildered" after he heard news of the nightclub incident, which involved a Saracens rugby player.

Stokes fell five runs short of a century on his return to Durham after being dropped by England, who lost to New Zealand in the second Test on Saturday to square the Rothesay Series at 1-1.

England team-mate Josh Tongue admitted England missed Stokes. The fast bowler said: "Stokesy is an unbelievable player. It's always nice to see him get some runs.

"I made my debut when he was captain, I've got huge respect for Stokesy. Yeah, we've missed him, but we've got a lot of leaders in that team.

"Obviously Rooty (Joe Root) can step in as captain as well and he's an unbelievable player, unbelievable leader. It's been good."

(c) Sky News 2026: England cricketers Stokes and Atkinson 'not to blame for violent conduct' during nightclub i