Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell have been officially warned by England’s Cricket Regulator for behaviour that brought the game into disrepute. The issue relates to a late-night incident in Wellington last year.

Both players accepted caution notices. These warnings act as a final reminder and will stay on their disciplinary record for three years.

Brook Admits to Late-Night Drinking

Brook had earlier faced action from the England and Wales Cricket Board after admitting he went out drinking the night before leading England in the third ODI against New Zealand on November 1.

He also revealed that a bouncer stopped him when he tried to enter a late-night venue. The ECB considered removing him as captain but decided to fine him instead. This action was not publicly disclosed at the time.

Incident Came to Light Later

The matter became public only after England’s loss in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, more than two months later, following a media report.

Initially, Brook claimed he was alone that night. However, he later admitted that Bethell and Josh Tongue were with him. He also accepted that he had lied earlier to protect his teammates.

Breach of ECB Conduct Rules

The case was referred to the independent Cricket Regulator, which oversees discipline in England and Wales cricket.

The regulator found both Brook and Bethell guilty of violating Regulation 3.2 of the ECB’s Professional Conduct Regulations. This rule states that players must not behave in a way that harms the image of cricket or brings disrepute to the sport or its governing body.

Final Warning Issued

Instead of issuing formal charges, the regulator gave both players caution notices. This means they avoid further punishment for now but will face stricter action if they repeat such behaviour.

No disciplinary action was taken against Tongue, who recently said he had “learned from” the incident.

Concerns Over Team Culture

Rob Key had earlier said in December that such issues had not occurred since he became managing director. However, he later clarified that he was referring specifically to the footage that surfaced.

After the Ashes review, Key admitted concerns about alcohol use within the team. He said, “Like a lot of teams, there's two or three players that can be irresponsible with alcohol given the opportunity,” and added, “What we're trying to do is try to find that happy medium.”

New Rules Introduced

To address such concerns, England introduced a midnight curfew before their tour of Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup. This rule is expected to continue during the upcoming summer season.

What’s Next for the Players

Brook, who serves as England’s Test vice-captain, is expected to play County Championship matches for Yorkshire before England’s upcoming series against New Zealand in June.

Meanwhile, Bethell is currently playing in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.