The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly raised concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over the timing of a video released during the third Test between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge. According to reports, the ICC believes the ECB breached its standards governing Players’ and Match Officials’ Areas (PMOA) after publishing footage of Ben Stokes announcing his retirement while the match was still in progress.

Ahead of play on Day 4, Stokes informed his England teammates in the dressing room that the ongoing Test would be his final appearance in international cricket. The emotional moment was captured on camera, and the ECB later shared the video on social media shortly before the tea interval on the penultimate day of the match.

The announcement quickly spread around Trent Bridge, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd for the England all-rounder. Moments later, Stokes produced a fairytale response by dismissing a New Zealand batter with the very first delivery he bowled after the retirement news became public.

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However, according to a BBC report, the ICC believes the release of the dressing-room footage during live play may have violated its anti-corruption regulations. Under Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA minimum standards, national cricket boards must ensure that no fixed or temporary recording equipment is installed inside team dressing rooms for broadcasting audio or video content.

Sack him … https://t.co/LYQ5ZlYqDE

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) July 9, 2026

One of England’s all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match.

Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for.

We love you so much and wish you… pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026

The governing body also reportedly stated that any footage captured in these restricted areas should not include audio or be made public until after the match has concluded. Neither the ICC nor the ECB has officially commented on the reported correspondence.

When questioned about the decision to release the clip during the match, Stokes explained that the content team’s handling of the video was left to ECB media officials, saying, “I just said, ‘You guys work with Michael Lumb and Neil Fairbrother, who work with me, and you guys just come up with a plan.'”

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With Stokes stepping away from Test cricket, England have now begun their search for a new captain, with current vice-captain Harry Brook emerging as the leading contender to succeed him.