IPL Mega Auction 2025, Ben Stokes: England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he decided not to participate in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction held in Jeddah in order to extend his career for England. Stokes has previously played for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament in 2017. Stokes was left out of the list of England players in the auction and under the new rules, if he is left out after being bought by a team in the mega auction, provided it was for legitimate reasons, he will be eligible to participate in the next two seasons of the tournament. Are not eligible to take.
Reaction given on being left out of IPL auction
Speaking to BCC Sports, Ben Stokes said, “There is too much cricket (right now). It is no secret that I am in the final stages of my career. I obviously want to play as much as possible. It’s important to take care of the body and take care of yourself as much as possible.”
Stokes further added, “[It’s]about prioritizing the games and when I play – obviously I’m in South Africa this year – it’s about what’s next for me and making the decision I feel That’s the right thing to be able to do to make my career last as long as possible.” “I want to wear this England shirt as long as I can,” Stokes told BBC Sport ahead of England’s first Test series against New Zealand in Christchurch.
Ben Stokes spoke about Jacob Bethel’s debut
For the upcoming match, England has given the debut to left-handed batsman Jacob Bethel, who will bat at number three. This team is currently ranked sixth in the ongoing World Test Championship points table and is out of the race to reach the final to be held at Lord’s next year.
Ben Stokes on Jacob Bethel’s debut, “If you see that pitch in England, you will pray to God that you win the toss and bowl first. In New Zealand it is amazing. You can look at the wicket and it is absolutely Looks different. We’ll have to see how we play tomorrow, see what conditions we face as the game goes on, and if we need to adapt to something, we’ll try to do that.”
Stokes said, “The World Test Championship is a bit of a dilemma. I don’t see it. Over the long run, if you are playing really good cricket, getting the results you want, you will find yourself in the finals and in the mix.” Stokes further said, “For me and this team it is about moving forward match by match, series by series, and if you find yourself in a situation where you are in the final, then it is great. “I don’t really remember whether I ever spent any real time thinking about the World Test Championship.”
