England Test captain Ben Stokes decided to quit alcohol at the start of 2025 as part of his rehabilitation from a recurring hamstring injury and to ensure peak fitness ahead of a demanding cricket season, including the high-profile Test series against India and the Ashes.
Key Reasons Behind Stokes ‘Decision:
Injury Rehabilitation: Stokes suffered a significant left hamstring tear during a Test in New Zealand in December 2024, following an earlier injury during The Hundred tournament. The recovery process from this injury, which required surgery, prompted him to reconsider his lifestyle choices to aid faster and more effective rehabilitation.
Physical Demands of Cricket: With back-to-back elite-level series scheduled—including a five-match Test series against India starting June 2025—Stokes recognized the need to be in top physical condition. He identified alcohol abstinence as a crucial step to manage his fitness and prepare his body for the rigors of international cricket.
Reflection on Past Habits: Stokes admitted on the Untapped podcast that after his injury, he questioned whether drinking alcohol a few nights before might have negatively impacted his recovery. This realization led him to adopt a more disciplined approach, promising himself not to drink until he completed his injury rehab and returned to the field.
Personal and Professional Growth: Ben Stokes described his previous drinking patterns as “all or nothing,” sometimes consuming excessively at social gatherings. He acknowledged that this behavior was unhealthy and frustrating for those close to him. His decision to quit reflects a more balanced and mature approach as he enters the latter stages of his career.
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Long-term Health and Role Modeling: The move also aligns with Stokes’ partnership with a non-alcoholic spirits company, CleanCo, signaling a broader commitment to health and wellness both on and off the field.
Quotes from Stokes:
“After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it… We did have a bit of a drink four or five nights ago, could that have played a part? It wouldn’t have helped. Then I was like: ‘OK, I need to start changing what I do.’ I don’t think I’ll ever be completely sober, but I’ve not had a drink since 2 January. I said to myself: ‘Not until I finish my injury rehab and get back on the field”.
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Summary
Ben Stokes’ decision to quit alcohol is directly linked to his desire for optimal recovery from a hamstring injury and to maximize his performance during a crucial period for England cricket. His lifestyle change is both a personal and professional commitment to fitness, longevity, and leadership as he prepares to lead England in a busy and challenging Test season.
