Ben Stokes has revealed that he opted out of the 2025 IPL mega auction to focus on managing his workload and prolonging his career with England. The allrounder, who has been a key figure in England’s cricketing success, was notably absent from the list of 52 English players registered for the auction held in Jeddah. This decision means that Stokes, who will turn 35 by the time the 2026 IPL season rolls around, would not be eligible to play in the tournament until 2026.
The move reflects Stokes’ growing priority of looking after his body, having spent much of the last year rehabilitating from knee surgery and recovering from a hamstring injury. The England Test captain explained that with the intense cricket calendar and his career entering its latter stages, it was essential for him to focus on his fitness to continue representing England at the highest level.
“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,” Stokes told BBC Sport ahead of England’s Test series in New Zealand. He added that prioritizing key matches and being strategic with his schedule would help him extend his international career.
Stokes, who has enjoyed significant IPL stints with teams like Rising Pune Supergiants, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings, has been one of the most marketable players in the tournament’s history. However, with the new IPL regulations limiting players who opt out of the auction, Stokes chose not to enter the fray this year to avoid any complications that could affect his England commitments.
The 2025 calendar looms large for England, with a home Test series against India followed by the Ashes later in the year. Stokes also intends to play in the SA20 with MI Cape Town at the start of the year and may return to limited-overs cricket for the 2025 Champions Trophy. By skipping the IPL, he aims to ensure he remains fit and available for England’s upcoming challenges.
Stokes’ decision has also helped the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), avoiding potential conflicts similar to the situation involving Jofra Archer, who was allowed to enter the IPL auction after initially being blocked by the ECB.
Read This:- Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest IPL Player at 13
