Ben Stokes retired from all cricket after New Zealand Test series in June this year.
Over the past year, Botham and Stokes have exchanged criticism in the media despite being from opposite eras. The former criticized England's lack of preparation for the Ashes series in Australia last year.
When England announced they would play just one warm-up game, Botham, 70, criticized the decision, saying, "Not one (state match), which borders on arrogance. You have got to give yourself the chance."
Then-skipper Stokes, 35, hit back at Botham’s remarks, saying, "There are quite a few factors that play into why we can’t prepare how the has-beens may have prepared in the past."
Botham, one of the finest all-rounders in the England team, reacted strongly to the “has-beens” comment, given that he played 102 Tests, made 5,200 runs, and also captured 383 wickets.
The England team eventually lost the match against Australia 4-1 and was lambasted for reports about the English cricketers drinking heavily at the beach resort in Queensland. In June, Stokes stepped down as skipper midway through a Test against New Zealand.
Speaking to The Times Magazine, Botham said, "Stupid boy. I will mention him only briefly because his self-indulgence isn’t something I enjoy. He is a good player. A great player. But to say that and then lose, it has backfired, hasn’t it? Then after losing the first two matches, they go to Noosa, probably one of the most popular summer retreats for Australians.”
Botham, the owner of a wine company based in Australia, is said to have dedicated his newest book to Ben Stokes, as he continues to play domestic cricket.
“This is for you, Ben. Welcome to the has-beens club,” Botham took a sarcastic swipe at Stokes.
Ben Stokes played 122 Tests, 114 ODIs, and 43 T20Is for England. He scored 7273 runs and took 252 wickets in Tests. In ODIs, he scored 3463 runs and took 74 wickets, while in T20Is, he made 585 runs and took 26 wickets. He played a huge role in England’s 2019 World Cup win and 2022 T20 World Cup win.