England Test skipper Ben Stokes opened up on players preferring lucrative T20 tournaments instead of central contracts offered by the England Cricket Board (ECB). With cricket evolving over the over, T20 tournaments have become increasingly lucrative. Stokes expressed that he understands the players’ choice to opt for T20 league contracts.
Recently, England pacer Mark Wood said in the Daily Telegraph that he is yet to decide whether he would accept a central contract. He cited the financial benefits of playing in the UAE T20 League. Earlier this year, Jason Roy opted out of his England contract to play in Major League Cricket (MLC). England skipper Ben Stokes expressed that he understands the players’ reluctance to commit to England. He said,
“We know the whole landscape of cricket is changing and that is great for the individuals who are still within the game and great for those who are coming through. If a person makes a decision because they think it’s the best for themselves, the future and security of their families, then it’s very hard to disagree with that.”
“The more opportunities that come, the more people are going to be attracted to the sport and try to make a career out of it. Everyone is at a different point in their life, not just their career, where other things will have to be thought about,” he added.
There is a plan in place: Ben Stokes opens up on his knee injury
Ben Stokes came out of retirement cricket last month and is set to play as a specialist batter in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He hasn’t bowled much in recent months due to a nagging knee injury. The batter is likely to undergo knee surgery post the World Cup to address the concerns. He might miss the Test series against Team India, which starts on January 25.
“I’ve been having some good conversations with some specialists. There is a plan in place,” said Ben Stokes.
“It’s nice knowing after the World Cup we’ve got something, a really good plan we can do and we can stick to. I want to be playing next summer as a genuine all-rounder. This winter is all about playing this World Cup, then getting this knee sorted,” he added.
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