England hero Ben Stokes is set to return to the Indian Premier League next year following his impressive performance in the World T20 final against Pakistan this past Sunday
Ben Stokes is set to participate in the 2023 Indian Premier League. Fresh off winning the T20 World Cup with England on Sunday, it is understood he will be entering the auction for next year’s franchise tournament.
All eyes will be on who will acquire the former Rajasthan Royals player’s services when the auction takes place on December 23. After the 2008 inaugural IPL champions released him from a £1.3m contract in 2021, the 31-year-old opted out of this year’s tournament after taking a break to focus on his mental health and wellbeing.
Should he feature in the next edition of the IPL, Stokes would be faced with a very demanding schedule. Before attempting to regain the Ashes next June, England will embark on winter Test tours to Pakistan and New Zealand. Then the IPL runs from March 25 until May 28, just four days before a one-off Test against Ireland at Lord’s.
This is the exact reason Stokes opted to retire from ODIs in July, but everyone affiliated with English cricket hopes he will reverse his decision and represent the Barmy Army at next year’s 50-over World Cup in India. “This has been an incredibly tough decision to make,” Stokes said when he announced his retirement. “I have loved every minute of playing with my mates for England.