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Ben Stokes, the renowned all-rounder from England, has established himself as a pivotal player in limited-overs cricket, particularly in T20 matches. His multifaceted skill set and ability to turn games around have made him an attractive prospect in numerous T20 competitions worldwide, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). Stokes has a history of inciting intense bidding wars during auctions, underlining his significant worth to any team. However, recent reports indicate that the scenario may change for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, as he might not be available.
Expected absence from IPL 2025
As per various media reports, including British sources, it is anticipated that Stokes will forgo the IPL 2025 season and will not enter his name in the auction. This follows his decision to withdraw from the 2024 auction as well. According to The Telegraph, Stokes is expected to lead a group of England players opting out of the IPL to concentrate on a critical year for England’s Test squad.
Busy schedule for England in 2025
The year 2025 is set to be crucial for England’s ambitions in Test cricket, as Stokes is slated to captain the team in a highly awaited home series against India, followed by an away series against Australia. This demanding schedule is likely to drive his choice to prioritize national duties over participation in the IPL.
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New regulations affecting player choices
With the registration deadline for the IPL’s “mega auction” approaching, several England players are grappling with difficult decisions due to new rules implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). These regulations state that any player who registers for the auction but later makes themselves unavailable before the season starts will face a two-season ban from the tournament and future auctions. This new rule adds significant pressure on players like Stokes, who may opt out of the IPL to avoid facing penalties.
Notably, the IPL auction is projected to occur in late November, potentially in Saudi Arabia. However, Stokes’ absence from the auction could force teams to rethink their strategies as they prepare to assemble their line-ups for the forthcoming season. While Stokes has been a vital figure in the history of the IPL, his international commitments, combined with the recent BCCI regulations, might result in him not being targeted by any franchise in the IPL 2025 auction.
