Joe Root scraps ECB curfew set after Ben Stokes controversy, tells England players to 'be grown adults' originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Reappointed Test captain Joe Root scraps any talks of a curfew time for the England team.The curfew was introduced in July after disciplinary actions were taken during the Ben Stokes controversy.Root remained disappointed by Brendon McCullum's exit, but he remains excited to play under Stephen Fleming.Joe Root scraps ECB curfew set after Ben Stokes controversyNewly appointed Test captain Joe Root was quick to scrap any curfew timings for the England cricket team ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan next week. The curfew was part of a strict set of guidelines that saw players having to check in to their hotels by 10 p.m. and included strict rules against appearing to be under the influence of alcohol.With a long history of players acting unruly and intoxicated, the ECB finally pulled the trigger on the rules after both former captain Ben Stokes and star bowler Gus Atkinson were involved in an altercation at a nightclub following their victory against New Zealand in the first Test.The two players were dropped from the second match because of this, following which the guidelines were rolled. But Root has firmly rejected the notion of implementing such a curfew for grown adults. In his own words, the skipper wants his teammates to act responsibly for their actions.MORE:'Babar Azam is inexperienced': Pakistan urged to shield captain from English mediaRoot demands accountability from his players, not a curfewAddressing the decision on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, Root explained that imposing strict curfews undermines the trust and self-regulation required at the highest level of international sport. "There's not going to be a curfew. I don't think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest," Root said."My view on curfews is that I don't think they work, and if you want guys to take responsibility on the field, they've got to feel like they can be grown adults and make good, strong decisions off it," he added. Root emphasised that while players are expected to celebrate victories and enjoy downtime sensibly, maintaining elite physical and mental preparation remains non-negotiable.Joe Root has ruled out a curfew under his England Test captaincy pic.twitter.com/rhRc8sI3HE Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 12, 2026The England skipper continued, "We should be known for how we play cricket and what we do on the field. We should be on the back page of papers. Be adults; look after yourselves and look after each other. Create a good, strong culture where you know when the right time is to celebrate and enjoy a win or to have a sensible beer."But he was quick to warn his fellow players not to go with the flow. "Remember, you've got to play for England. You know what your responsibilities are... so be smart, be sensible, and just be an adult." He made sure that the players understood where he was coming from as well.MORE:'Take the good stuff': Jason Gillespie reveals what Stephen Fleming can learn from the McCullum-Stokes eraNew England Test skipper wants the right balance of fun and commitmentRoot understands that, as professionals, the English players have the right to enjoy and have a cold beer when they win or when they have a difficult loss. However, he was quick to point out that they were professionals playing for their national team. It is this nuanced take that led the ECB to bring him back as captain.It is also clear that the cricket board has confidence in him. When asked about their comments, the board said,"As part of this, the curfew will no longer be in place. We will ensure all players have a clear understanding of expectations when they come together for the upcoming Test series."For a board that enforced curfew rules so strictly amid the Stokes controversy, it seems even the ECB is willing to take a chance. The upcoming series against Pakistan will be England's chance to show that they can win and celebrate without getting in trouble. For Root himself, it will be the chance to push himself closer to Sachin Tendulkar's record.For all the latest cricket news, opinion and commentary and to share your voice head to ourFacebook,InstagramandX (Twitter)pages.