England Test captain Ben Stokes chose not to register for the IPL 2025 mega-auction, held on November 24-25 in Jeddah. Under the IPL’s new rules, players had to register for the auction to remain eligible for the next two seasons.
However, the 33-year-old all-rounder prioritized his England career over IPL participation, emphasizing his commitment to extending his time in international cricket.
Speaking ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, Stokes acknowledged he is nearing the latter stages of his career and aims to maximize his time in the England shirt.
“There’s so much cricket. I’m at the back end of my career and want to play as long as I can. Taking care of my body and prioritizing the games I play is crucial. That’s why I opted out of the IPL auction,” Stokes told BBC Test Match Special.
Stokes further elaborated on his decision, pointing out that his current commitments, such as playing in the SA20 league with MI Cape Town, require careful management of his workload.
“It’s about looking at what’s ahead and making decisions that allow me to prolong my career. I want to wear this England shirt for as long as possible,” he added.
Stokes also praised New Zealand for their historic 3-0 series win in India, a feat rarely achieved by touring sides. Reflecting on the significance of their accomplishment, he stated:
“What New Zealand achieved in India was remarkable. India has been a dominant force at home, and many teams have wished to replicate what New Zealand did but failed. It’s massive for world cricket to see a touring team succeed there. Credit to New Zealand for doing something extraordinary that hasn’t been done in a very long time.”
As Stokes leads England into their upcoming challenges, his decision to step away from the IPL underscores his dedication to prioritizing international cricket and maintaining his fitness for the demanding Test arena.