When Should Cricketers Hydrate for Peak Performance?

Former England cricket captain Alec Stewart has emphasised the importance of educating players about responsible drinking, particularly following scrutiny over alcohol consumption during the recent Ashes series. As the director of men's cricket at Surrey, Stewart believes that while cricket does not have an inherent alcohol problem, players need to recognise when it is appropriate to drink. This sentiment comes in the wake of incidents involving England players and highlights a call for a cultural shift in the sport.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Alec Stewart's recent remarks reflect an ongoing conversation about the drinking culture in cricket, particularly after England's disappointing performance in the Ashes series. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launched an investigation into reports of excessive drinking among players during a mid-series trip to Noosa, Australia, which has spurred a broader discussion on the need for responsible behaviour among athletes. Stewart, now the president of the Cricketers' Trust charity, is advocating for a better understanding of the impact of alcohol on performance and the necessity of making informed choices.

Key takeaways

• Alec Stewart stresses the need for education on responsible drinking among cricketers.
• Incidents of excessive drinking have led to scrutiny of player behaviour during the Ashes series.
• The Cricketers' Trust has reported a significant increase in mental health support for players.

Timeline: how we got here

Recent discussions surrounding alcohol in cricket have developed alongside various incidents involving players. Major events include:

• November 2022: England white-ball captain Harry Brook is reportedly punched by a nightclub bouncer the night before a one-day match in New Zealand.
• January 2023: Reports emerge of excessive drinking among players during the Ashes series in Australia, prompting ECB investigations.
• October 2023: Alec Stewart is announced as president of the Cricketers' Trust and calls for better education on alcohol consumption.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Stewart's comments highlight an urgent need for improved education regarding alcohol consumption among cricketers. He advocates for players to recognise the appropriate times to drink and stresses that alcohol does not enhance performance.

What was already established

It has been previously acknowledged that alcohol-related incidents can impact player performance and public perception. The Cricketers' Trust has also been active in addressing mental health issues among players, with a focus on providing support for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The scrutiny of players' drinking habits can affect public perception of cricket and influence how fans engage with the sport. As players are seen as role models, their behaviour can have broader implications for societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption.

Businesses and jobs

For cricket clubs and organisations, ensuring players are educated about responsible drinking can help maintain a professional environment. This could potentially affect sponsorship deals and partnerships, as brands increasingly seek to align with responsible organisations.

Policy and regulation

The ECB may consider implementing stricter guidelines regarding player behaviour and alcohol consumption. This could lead to new policies aimed at fostering a healthier culture within the sport and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to excessive drinking.

Numbers that matter

• 33% increase in therapy sessions provided by the Cricketers' Trust, from 667 in 2024 to 889 in 2025.
• 239 current and former cricketers received mental health support over the past five years.
• Eight players entered residential rehabilitation for issues including alcohol and substance abuse.

Definitions and jargon buster

• ECB: England and Wales Cricket Board – the governing body for cricket in England and Wales.
• Cricketers' Trust: A charity that supports current and former players with health and wellbeing initiatives.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, clubs and players may begin to implement educational programmes on responsible drinking. Focus will be on creating awareness and establishing guidelines for behaviour during tours and matches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, we can expect to see more structured policies regarding player conduct and alcohol consumption, potentially influencing how teams manage their players off the field.

Signals to watch

• Announcements from the ECB regarding new policies or educational initiatives related to player behaviour.
• Increased transparency about player support mechanisms and rehabilitation successes.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage open conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
• Promote education on alcohol consumption and its effects on performance.

Don’t

• Ignore the signs of stress or anxiety in players.
• Condone excessive drinking, especially in professional settings.

Checklist

• Ensure all players receive education on responsible drinking.
• Establish clear guidelines about alcohol consumption during team events.
• Monitor mental health support usage and effectiveness.
• Encourage players to seek help when they are struggling.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the conversation around alcohol consumption is necessary, it is important to recognise that not all players will respond positively to education. Some may continue to make poor choices, and it is vital that support mechanisms are robust enough to address these situations when they arise. Furthermore, cultural shifts within the sport may take time, and there could be resistance to changing long-standing practices.

Bottom line

Alec Stewart's call for education on responsible drinking in cricket underscores an urgent need for cultural change within the sport. As the conversation evolves, it is crucial for players, coaches, and administrators to work together to ensure a healthy environment that prioritises wellbeing and performance.

FAQs

What is the Cricketers' Trust?

The Cricketers' Trust is a charity that provides health and wellbeing support to current and former professional cricketers and their families.

Why is education on alcohol important in cricket?

Education is crucial as it helps players understand the impact of alcohol on their performance and wellbeing, promoting responsible choices.

What has been the response to recent alcohol-related incidents in cricket?

There has been increased scrutiny and calls for better education and guidelines regarding alcohol consumption among players to foster a healthier culture in the sport.