The International Cricket Council (ICC) has contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding the circumstances surrounding Ben Stokes' retirement announcement. The ICC informed the ECB that footage filmed in the Pitch Management Operations Area (PMOA) should not be released before a match concludes, a rule apparently breached by Stokes' announcement during play.

Stokes himself stated the timing was a plan devised by his agents and the ECB. The all-rounder took a wicket with his first delivery after the news broke, though his international career officially concluded the following day. The ICC's regulations for the PMOA are designed to support its anti-corruption code.

The ECB has yet to respond to the ICC's communication. Stokes' retirement leaves England searching for a new Test captain ahead of their series against Pakistan in August. Vice-captain Harry Brook has expressed interest in the role, but the ECB is reportedly taking its time with the decision, potentially considering other management uncertainties following a period of poor results.