England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould believes recent criticism of the England regime has come primarily from players who are disgruntled about being dropped. 

In the aftermath of England's 4-1 series defeat to Australia in the Ashes, managing director Rob Key, head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes received stern criticism.

The ECB decided to keep all three men in their roles after reviewing England's performances, but the culture surrounding the team has been criticised by several former players.

Liam Livingstone, who has not appeared for his country since last year's Champions Trophy, said "no-one cares" about out-of-favour players and claimed he was told he had been overlooked for the T20 World Cup squad in a one-minute phone call with McCullum.

Jonny Bairstow, who was a key player in the early days of the McCullum-Stokes red-ball regime but has not represented England since 2024, also criticised the ECB's treatment of dropped players last week.

England's current players also attracted scrutiny regarding their off-field behaviour while in Australia for the Ashes, while white-ball skipper Harry Brook came close to being stripped of the captaincy after an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand ahead of the team's arrival down under.

“I believe we have a group of players that can really take English Cricket forward.”

England Men’s MD, Rob Key, has a message for all England fans 

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— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 23, 2026

But Gould says those negative comments from ex-players did not come from a place of impartiality, saying: "When players come out of the England fold, it is difficult for them.

"It is difficult for any player when they get dropped in any sport. They will not agree with the decision, I wouldn't want them to.

"There are probably about 300 players who want to play for our England teams. We do have to focus our resources on those that are in the teams."

Asked if criticism of the England setup might overshadow the start of the county cricket season, Gould added: "I really don't agree with that.

"The start of a new season is always an exciting juncture. What you choose to write is up to you, but we are looking at this in a positive fashion.

"Yes, we have had a difficult winter, but that is a road bump we will get over."