Ben Stokes Explains Why He's Skipping IPL 2025
Author: Vishnu Reddy
Updated At:
Ben Stokes explained that he opted out of the IPL mega auction to reduce his playing commitments, aiming to extend the final phase of his career. This decision reflects his desire to manage his workload carefully as he looks to extend the latter stages of his cricketing career. By stepping away from the high-pressure demands of the IPL, Stokes aims to focus on maintaining his physical and mental well-being while continuing to contribute effectively in other formats of the game.
Ben Stokes Chose to Skips IPL Auction
England’s red-ball captain Ben Stokes was a surprising absence from the group of 52 English players registered for the 2025 IPL mega auction in Jeddah. As a result, England's Test captain will be ineligible to participate in the league until 2026, by which time he will be 35.
According to new rules established by franchise owners and approved by the BCCI, players who previously featured in the IPL but skipped the mega auction cannot enter the following mini-auction, limiting their return opportunities.
His track record indicates he would have secured a substantial contract had he entered the auction. In the past, the all-rounder has landed high-value deals with franchises like Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), highlighting his consistent appeal and worth in the IPL's competitive bidding environment.
He said, “ "[There is] just so much cricket. 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."
After spending much of the past year recovering from knee surgery and a torn hamstring, Ben Stokes, under an ECB central contract until October 2026, acknowledged the need to prioritize his health. He emphasized the importance of managing his body carefully to preserve what remains of his international career and ensure longevity in the sport.
He added, “ [It is about] prioritising games and when I do play - obviously I'm in South Africa this year - so it's about looking at what I've got ahead and making the decision that I think is right for me to be able to prolong my career as long as possible. I want to wear this England shirt for as long as I can."
England to Play an Important Series Against India in 2025
England’s Test team faces a pivotal year in 2025, with a five-match home series against India followed by the Ashes later in the year. With Brendon McCullum leading the limited-overs sides, Ben Stokes might rejoin the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy in February. Additionally, he is set to play for MI Cape Town in the SA20 league early in the year.
Ben Stokes chose to skip the 2024 IPL to better manage his workload following a demanding Test series in India. Under updated rules, if Stokes had entered the 2025 auction and later withdrew after being purchased, he would face a two-year ban unless he could present an ECB-approved medical certificate. This document would need to confirm that his withdrawal was due to a genuine injury rather than a desire to take a break.
By skipping the auction entirely, Ben Stokes eased potential tensions for the ECB, who recently faced a tricky situation. They initially opposed Jofra Archer’s auction entry but later reversed their stance, allowing him to participate. Archer, under contract with the ECB until October 2025, was eventually signed by Rajasthan Royals for approximately £1.2 million (US$1.49 million).
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