'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 comprehend the time to have a beverage and the time not to", says former England captain Alec Stewart.


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


The England and Wales Cricket Board examined reports of gamers consuming exceedingly during a mid-series trip to Noosa, while white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a bar 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 important," stated Stewart, currently director of cricket at Surrey.


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


"The higher level you are, the more analysis you're under and therefore the sacrifices are greater and therefore be very 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 supplies support to present and previous gamers and their families around their health and wellbeing.


He was also suggested as a prospective candidate to change England's handling director Rob Key, though Key is anticipated to be given the possibility 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, consisting of providing psychological health support to 239 current and former 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 "domestic rehabilitation" - receiving treatment in expert facilities at which they can remain for a period of time supported financially by the trust - for different problems consisting of to alcohol, anxiety, betting and drug abuse.


Speaking about the high-profile discussion around alcohol this winter season, former batter Ian Thomas who now operates at the Professional Cricketers' Association and is a Cricketers' Trust trustee stated: "We have actually continued to work hard on the education front.


"It's something that's in everyday life in society, but there is an obligation for athletes and cricketers to make the best choices at the best times which's what our education was about.


"We're still going to have individuals make the incorrect choices and we're still going to have human mistake.


"The greatest part for us if that does occur is that we're able to pick them up."


The report says majority of the concerns impacting players relate to low state of mind, and psychological assistance.


"We've got to make certain the support mechanisms remain in location and that individuals are not afraid to actually put a hand up and state I'm having a hard time," Stewart said.


"It's constantly existed. It always will exist because it's such a result-based organization. This is where you have actually got to get the balance."


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