England Test captain Ben Stokes has disclosed that he opted out of the IPL 2025 auction to extend his international career, admitting he may not have many playing years left. The seam-bowling all-rounder highlighted the packed cricketing calendar as another factor in his decision.
Stokes last played in the IPL in 2023 for Chennai Super Kings but missed most of the season due to a persistent knee injury. He also skipped the 2024 auction to prioritize staying injury-free ahead of England’s home season.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Stokes shared that he has committed to playing in the SA20 league early next year but emphasized that his primary focus remains on representing England. The 33-year-old stated:
[There is] just so much cricket. There’s no hiding behind the fact that I’m at the back end of my career. I obviously want to play as long as I possibly can. Looking after my body and looking after myself as much as I can is key to that.”
“[It is about] prioritising games and when I do play – obviously I’m in South Africa this year – so it’s about looking at what I’ve got ahead and making the decision that I think is right for me to be able to prolong my career as long as possible. I want to wear this England shirt for as long as I can.”
The Durham all-rounder sustained a hamstring strain during The Hundred 2024, which ruled him out of the three-Test series against Sri Lanka and the first match of the subsequent Pakistan tour.
“The World Test Championship is somewhat confusing”- Ben Stokes
Stokes also mentioned that he rarely focuses on the World Test Championship (WTC) or the goal of reaching the final, believing that consistent strong performances over time will secure a spot in the final. He explained:
“The World Test Championship is a bit confusing. I don’t look at it. Over a long period of time, if you’re playing really good cricket, you’re getting results that you want, you’ll end up finding yourself in the final and in the mix.”
“For me and this team it’s about taking it game by game, series by series, and if you end up finding yourself in the position where you happen to be in the final, then it’s great. I can’t really ever remember if I’ve ever given any real time specifically to thinking about the World Test Championship.”
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