England cricket captain Ben Stokes reacts during the Mihi Whakatau, a traditional teams welcome, on the field at Hagley Oval, ahead of the first cricket test against New Zealand in Christchurch, New Zealand, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)
England Test skipper Ben Stokes was one of the players conspicuous by his absence in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction and the player on Wednesday gave its reason.
“There’s no hiding behind the fact that I’m at the back-end of my career. It’s about looking at what I’ve got ahead and making the decision that is right for me to be able to prolong my career as long as possible. There is just so much cricket. I want to be wearing this England shirt for as long as I can” Stokes said to BBC.
“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. Looking after my body and looking after myself as much as I can is key to that,” the 32-year-old added.
This means Stokes is ineligible for next year’s mini auction as well due to the new IPL rule dictating that any overseas player if not retained, must register for the mega auction. In case of non-registration, they will be ineligible to register in the following year’s player auction as well.
A total of 52 English players went under the hammer in the auction held at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia recently.
Stokes has represented Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL with the Pune franchise buying him for Rs 14.5 crore ahead of IPL 2027.
The Durham man will head to South Africa for a series at the end of England’s trip to New Zealand before starting preparations for next year’s Ashes.
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