London, August 12, 2026: Returning England Test captain Joe Root has ruled out imposing a team curfew ahead of the three-match home series against Pakistan, saying players should be trusted to make responsible decisions off the field.
The series is scheduled to begin on August 19 as England embark on a new era under Root, who previously led the Test side from 2017 to 2022.
Root was restored to the captaincy following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket last month. Stokes’ unexpected retirement came shortly after he and fast bowler Gus Atkinson missed England’s second Test against New Zealand while being investigated over an alleged breach of the team’s curfew and an altercation involving Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa after the opening match.
Although the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) subsequently cleared both players, the incident intensified scrutiny of England’s dressing-room culture during Stokes’ tenure and under former head coach Brendon McCullum.
McCullum also stepped down following the New Zealand series and was replaced by Stephen Fleming, although Fleming will not be involved in England’s home series against Pakistan.
Root, however, said England would not respond to previous disciplinary concerns by imposing a curfew on the squad.
“There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest,” Root said during a podcast published on Wednesday.
“My view is that if players are expected to take responsibility on the field, they should be trusted as grown adults to make good decisions off it as well.”
The veteran batter added that maintaining discipline would remain a collective responsibility within the squad.
“That’s something we, as a team, have to manage properly and police ourselves, alongside Stephen Fleming,” he said.
Root’s return to the captaincy comes as England look to reset their Test campaign ahead of a demanding series against Pakistan, with the new leadership seeking to establish a balance between player freedom, responsibility and team discipline.
