England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been removed from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan following an incident in which he was handcuffed by police outside a nightclub in Derby on Saturday evening. The England and Wales Cricket Board has referred the matter to the Cricket Regulator, who will investigate the circumstances. Carse will not be available for selection while the investigation continues, and has been replaced in the squad by Sonny Baker.
Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment several officers apprehended Carse outside the venue as Durham marked their County Championship win against Derbyshire. He was not arrested and was released without charge following the encounter.
This incident follows a pattern of disciplinary matters involving England cricketers. In June 2026, the ECB investigated captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson for breaching team protocols after a nightclub incident at Lord's. Both players were later cleared of violent conduct but received written warnings for curfew violations, and subsequently returned to the squad. Carse has become the third player this summer to miss a Test because of a disciplinary issue.
What prompted the detention?
The precise circumstances that led to Carse's handcuffing remain unclear. Social media footage shows him conversing with his Durham and England teammate Matthew Potts at the time of police involvement, though the video does not reveal what triggered the officers' intervention. Derbyshire Police have been contacted for additional information but have not yet responded publicly.
What is the ECB's response?
The ECB confirmed it is examining the circumstances and has now escalated the matter to the Cricket Regulator.
Following a referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator have confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby. Brydon Carse will no longer be available for selection for the second men's Test while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained.Durham declined to offer any statement regarding the incident, citing the ongoing investigation as the reason for their silence.
What is Carse's recent form?
Carse, 31, served as England's leading wicket-taker during the recent Ashes series in winter, but was excluded from last week's three-day warm-up fixture against Pakistan at Headingley and subsequently released to play for Durham. He has not played for England since the winter's Ashes campaign.
The incident adds to recent concerns about player conduct within English cricket, with multiple high-profile figures facing investigation or disciplinary action in recent months.
