'Cricketers Need To Understand Right Times To Drink'

ByMatthew Henry
BBC Sport Journalist


19 February 2026


Cricket does not have an alcohol problem but players "need to understand the time to have a drink and the time not to", states former England captain Alec Stewart.


Discussion around drinking dominated this winter season's Ashes series in Australia with the behaviour of England's players heavily during their 4-1 defeat in the Tests.


The England and Wales Cricket Board investigated reports of gamers drinking excessively throughout a mid-series journey to Noosa, while white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a club bouncer the night before a one-day match in New Zealand in November.


"Alcohol will not enhance anybody's efficiency so this is why the education is so essential," said Stewart, currently director of cricket at Surrey.


"People aren't going to simply live like monks and be entirely teetotal, but people need to comprehend the time to have a beverage and the time not to.


"The greater level you are, the more examination you're under and therefore the sacrifices are higher and for that reason be extremely selective in what you put into your body, whether that is food, whether that is drink or whatever."


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Stewart was speaking after being revealed as the new president of the Cricketers' Trust charity, which offers support to current and previous gamers and their households around their health and wellness.


He was likewise suggested as a potential prospect to replace England's managing director Rob Key, though Key is expected to be given the opportunity to enhance England's fortunes.


Selector Luke Wright left his position after the Ashes and is yet to be changed.


The charity has released a new report to outline its work, including offering psychological health assistance to 239 current and previous expert cricketers over the past five years. There has actually been a 33% increase in therapy sessions from 667 in 2024 to 889 in 2025.


The report references 8 cases of players entering into "residential rehab" - receiving treatment in expert centers at which they can remain for a duration of time supported financially by the trust - for various concerns consisting of to alcohol, anxiety, gaming and compound abuse.


Discussing the prominent discussion around alcohol this winter season, previous batter Ian Thomas who now works at the Professional Cricketers' Association and is a Cricketers' Trust trustee said: "We've continued to work hard on the education front.


"It's something that's in everyday life in society, however there is an obligation for professional athletes and cricketers to make the right options at the ideal times and that's what our education had to do with.


"We're still going to have people make the wrong choices and we're still going to have human error.


"The biggest part for us if that does take place is that we're able to choose them up."


The report says more than half of the concerns affecting players relate to low mood, stress and anxiety and psychological support.


"We have actually got to make certain the support mechanisms remain in place and that individuals are not scared to in fact put a hand up and state I'm having a hard time," Stewart stated.


"It's always existed. It always will be there because it's such a result-based service. This is where you've got to get the balance."


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