England Test captain Ben Stokes has decided to skip the 2024 IPL season to focus on extending his international cricket career. Stokes, who has previously played for teams like Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Rajasthan Royals, chose not to register for the IPL auction. This means he will not play in the IPL until at least 2026.

Stokes explained his decision was based on managing his workload and staying fit. He said,

“There’s so much cricket, and I’m in the later stages of my career. I want to play as long as possible, so taking care of my body is really important.”

Ben Stokes last appeared in the IPL in 2023, representing the Chennai Super Kings. After playing only a few matches, he opted out of the 2024 season to prioritize Test cricket.

Under new IPL rules, players who skip the mega auction cannot join the following mini-auction. Stokes’ absence shows his commitment to England’s cricket priorities, especially with key international matches ahead.

While this decision impacts his IPL career, it highlights Stokes’ dedication to staying fit and focused for England, aiming to represent his country for as long as possible.