The Cricket Regulator has issued caution notices to England white-ball captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell after an incident involving a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the night of October 31–November 1, 2025. Fast bowler Josh Tongue will face no further action following the regulator’s inquiry.
Brook, 26, was earlier fined £30,000 by the England and Wales Cricket Board and given a warning over his conduct relating to the same episode. The incident took place the evening before the third one-day international against New Zealand; England lost that match by two wickets and were beaten 3-0 in the series.
Brook initially told reporters he had been alone that night but later issued a fuller statement saying he regretted those remarks and that he had been trying to protect team-mates. Reports in The Telegraph had suggested Bethell and Tongue were also present and had been fined; the independent Cricket Regulator, which can impose disrepute charges, fines and suspensions, has now concluded its investigation.
In its statement the Regulator said investigations into the Wellington events are complete and that caution notices were issued to Brook and Bethell in relation to conduct both players accept breached regulation 3.2 of the Professional Conduct Regulations 2025. The statement added that no further action will be taken in relation to Josh Tongue.
An ECB spokesperson said the board noted the Regulator’s decision, and that the players involved have acknowledged and apologised for their behaviour. The spokesperson also said the matter was handled through an internal ECB disciplinary process at the time.
Speaking after the episode, Brook said he had gone out for a few drinks, then left and was trying to get into a club on his own when he was turned away; he accepted he should not have been in that situation and that he had had too much to drink. He later issued a more detailed apology, accepting responsibility, acknowledging others were present that evening, and saying his earlier comments were intended to protect team-mates. Brook described the episode as a challenging period, said he recognised the responsibilities of leadership and captaincy, and committed to personal and professional improvement.
The regulator’s caution marks the conclusion of its role in the matter. The ECB’s earlier internal penalties, including Brook’s fine and warning, remain in place.