Former England captain Alec Stewart has called for better understanding of alcohol consumption timing among cricketers following a winter of controversy. Speaking after being named president of the Cricketers' Trust charity, Stewart emphasized that while cricket doesn't have an alcohol problem, players need to recognize appropriate moments for drinking.

This comes after England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, during which player behavior drew heavy scrutiny. Reports emerged of excessive drinking during a mid-series trip to Noosa, while white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer before a one-day match in New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board investigated these incidents.

The Cricketers' Trust report reveals concerning trends, with 239 players receiving mental health support over five years and therapy sessions increasing by 33% from 667 in 2024 to 889 in 2025. The charity has funded residential rehabilitation for eight players dealing with issues including alcohol, anxiety, gambling, and substance abuse. Stewart stressed the importance of support mechanisms, noting that over half of player issues relate to low mood and anxiety.