Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson criticized the “extreme and tiresome” wave of negative stories about England players’ drinking and socializing, with Anderson – England’s all‑time leading wicket‑taker – saying it’s “mind‑numbing that anyone would still put themselves in such situations.”
The most recent incident involved Test bowler Brydon Carse, who was photographed being led away from a Derby bar in handcuffs early Sunday. Police briefly detained the 31‑year‑old on suspicion of drunk and disorderly conduct before releasing him, though they continue to investigate an alleged assault linked to the episode. Carse was omitted from England’s Test squad for the match against Pakistan that began at Lord’s on Thursday, yet he claimed two wickets for Durham on the opening day of their County Championship clash with Gloucestershire.
Broad remarked, during the unveiling of a joint portrait of himself and Anderson at Lord’s on Wednesday evening, that “eight of the 30 centrally contracted players have already faced reprimand or involvement – a figure that is both extreme and tiresome.” He added, “Joe Root spoke eloquently on the matter and sets a fine example. If you ignore his lead, this environment isn’t for you. Whether it’s the upcoming tour of South Africa this winter or the home Ashes next summer, failing to devote every ounce of effort to on‑field performance is incomprehensible.”
Anderson recalled being among several players fined for a nightclub incident in St Lucia during the 2007 World Cup, when he was 24. “I learned my lesson the hard way early on,” he said. “I told myself I would stay out for the next two years. It was a major wake‑up call. Mistakes happen in youth, but you must learn and mature quickly. It’s bewildering that players still find themselves in these situations despite the intense scrutiny.”
Anderson went on to appear in 401 internationals across formats before retiring from England in 2024 at age 41, and he still plays for Lancashire. “We’ve had our share of lapses; we weren’t angels and we celebrated wins with a beer just like anyone else,” he noted. “When we were performing well, teammates would step in – reminding a mate to skip another drink or avoid a nightclub, or calling out a lackluster net session. This current squad is young, and they will learn.”
During the interview, the brothers expressed worries about how Pakistan’s government is treating the former prime minister, who has remained in solitary confinement for three years.
Kasim Khan said, “It’s unclear what they’re doing; it seems they are deliberately trying to break him down, keep him locked up, and silence him.”
His lawyers have described the conditions as a slow‑motion killing, and his sister alleges he has been tortured. At 73, Khan was transferred to a hospital last week after a Supreme Court decision allowed temporary release, but he has since been sent back to prison.
The exact basis of the PCB’s complaint is unclear, except that Sky provided a platform to individuals critical of the government.
Sky acknowledged receipt of the complaint but declined to comment.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it is aware of the PCB’s concerns but declined to comment. Former cricket stars from around the world have highlighted Khan’s situation, issuing two joint letters calling for humane treatment and adequate medical care.
After their initial letter in February, the group — comprising six former England captains, former Indian skipper Kapil Dev, and ex‑Australian batsmen Adam Gilchrist and Greg Chappell — released a second statement this week urging a full, independent health assessment, with particular focus on his right vision.
His lawyers state that he has lost 85 % of the sight in his right eye due to the conditions of his detention.
No Pakistani cricketers added their names to the letter.