Ben Stokes to opt out of IPL 2025 to focus on England's red-ball assignments - Reports
England red-ball skipper Ben Stokes is unlikely to enter his name in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auction to prioritize his Test commitments. The ace all-rounder was not part of the previous mega-auction, and last played the competition in 2023 when he was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The IPL governing body has implemented strict regulations over players choosing to withdraw from the tournament, which English players have been found guilty of on several occasions. Players will face a two-year ban if they choose not to turn up for the IPL without any valid reason.
Stokes only played a couple of matches in the 2023 edition, before being sidelined with injury, and eventually struggling to make it back to the playing XI. He had prioritized red-ball cricket last year as well, choosing to opt out of IPL 2024, and the 2024 T20 World Cup to focus on the home Ashes series.
According to a report by The Telegraph, Stokes' decision not to put his name in the auction hints at a potential white-ball comeback. Despite being an active T20 player, his last T20I appearance came during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
He had originally retired from ODIs but reversed the decision to represent England in the 2023 ODI World Cup. While he has not played a 50-over match since then, he has hinted at a potential comeback. With Brendon McCullum, who Stokes shares a strong bond with, set to take over as white-ball coach ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Stokes could return to ODIs again, increasing his workload.
Stokes has a hectic 2025 even without the IPL
Stokes' absolute priority would be the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Despite all the revolution, England are yet to reach the final of the tournament, having to witness the cycle culminating in their backyard over the years.
England's 2025-27 cycle kickstarts with two challenging assignments in 2025, in the form of a five-match Test series against India and Australia, home and away respectively.
If Stokes wishes to be a part of all these crucial matches as an all-rounder, his workload management will be paramount, especially considering his injury history.