Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain and celebrated all-rounder, who fetched a hefty £1.63m in the 2023 IPL auction for Chennai Super Kings, has decided to sit out the 2024 Indian Premier League. His decision is motivated by a need to focus on his fitness and manage an increasingly demanding workload.
At 32, Stokes faces knee surgery ahead of England’s challenging five-Test series in India slated for next year. His stint with Chennai Super Kings in 2023 was marred by injuries, limiting him to just two appearances. Despite his high value to the team, he contributed a modest 15 runs and bowled only one over, conceding 18 runs.
CSK, while expressing their understanding, acknowledged their support for Stokes’ choice to prioritize his health and workload. The IPL 2024 schedule remains unconfirmed, but it traditionally spans from late March to May’s end.
Stokes, who reversed his decision to retire from one-day internationals for the World Cup, has been grappling with a persistent knee problem. He has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of this injury and the upcoming surgery.
Since July 1, during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, Stokes hasn’t bowled, posing a challenge for England in balancing their Test and one-day squads. The team is set to start their Test series against India on January 25 in Visakhapatnam.
BBC’s chief cricket writer, Stephan Shemilt, notes that Stokes’ withdrawal from the IPL isn’t entirely unexpected. He highlights the intense schedule for England’s multi-format players, potentially spending half a year in India, including the World Cup, the Test series, and the IPL. This prolonged stay could influence other players like Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow to reassess their IPL commitments, especially considering the overlap with England’s T20 World Cup preparations against Pakistan in May.
Stokes’ decision could pave the way for other English players to prioritize national duties and personal well-being over lucrative league commitments. This move, while potentially disappointing for IPL fans, underscores the growing challenges faced by modern cricketers in managing their commitments across various formats and leagues.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ben Stokes IPL 2024
Why is Ben Stokes not participating in the 2024 IPL?
Ben Stokes has decided to opt out of the 2024 Indian Premier League to manage his fitness and workload. He has a scheduled knee surgery before England’s Test series in India and wants to prioritize his health and performance for national duties.
How did Ben Stokes perform in the 2023 IPL?
In the 2023 IPL season, Ben Stokes, playing for Chennai Super Kings, participated in only two matches. He scored 15 runs and bowled an over for 18 runs, limited by injury issues.
What is the significance of Stokes’ decision for England’s cricket team?
Ben Stokes’ decision to skip the 2024 IPL is significant for the England cricket team. It allows him to focus on his recovery and fitness, which is crucial for England’s upcoming Test series in India. This move also sets a precedent for other players to prioritize national commitments.
What are the future plans for Ben Stokes in international cricket?
Ben Stokes plans to participate in England’s Test series against India starting on January 25. He also made a return to one-day internationals for the World Cup, indicating his commitment to playing in multiple formats for England.
Has Chennai Super Kings commented on Stokes’ decision?
Yes, Chennai Super Kings have expressed their support for Ben Stokes’ decision. They acknowledge the importance of managing his workload and fitness, even though it means losing a valuable player for the 2024 IPL season.
More about Ben Stokes IPL 2024
- Ben Stokes IPL Withdrawal
- Chennai Super Kings 2023 Performance
- England’s Test Series in India
- Cricket World Cup Updates
- Player Workload Management in Cricket
- Ben Stokes’ Career and Statistics
4 comments
So stokes is skipping IPL next year? thats big news…hes a key player for CSK, wonder how they’ll manage without him. hope his knee surgery goes well tho!
good call by Ben, Test cricket should always be priority and with the Ashes and India series coming up, he needs to be in top form. IPL can wait.
Stokes not playing is a huge loss for the IPL viewers, but I respect his decision. Fitness is important and he’s had a rough time with injuries. Get well soon, champ!
finally some sense from stokes, IPL is just too much with the international schedule and all… England needs him more. but man, that’s a lot of money to turn down.