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FWC: FRA v IRQ live on SN ExtraRegulator clears Stokes, Atkinson over nightclub fight
Rory Dollard • June 23rd, 2026 2:00 am
Captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been cleared by England's Cricket Regulator | Photo: AP
The independent Cricket Regulator has taken no action against Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson over the nightclub incident which led to them missing last week's Test against New Zealand, finding "insufficient evidence" against the pair.
The ruling, which effectively clears the England captain and his team-mate, comes after the duo were recalled for Thursday's series decider against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
A parallel investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also absolved Stokes and Atkinson of any wrongdoing in an altercation involving Saracens' Samoan rugby union player Totoa Auvaa, though they were issued with written conduct warnings for contravening "specific contractual obligations".
The regulator, which does not cover team protocols in its remit, said in a statement: "The Cricket Regulator's role is to determine whether any participant or player has breached any applicable ECB Cricket Regulations. The investigation followed multiple lines of enquiry to gather and assess evidence in relation to the events in question.
"Having carefully reviewed all currently available information, the Cricket Regulator has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish that any regulatory breach occurred. Accordingly, no further action will be taken against either player.
