Stokes unsure of IPL ’23 participation

NEW DELHI: The advent of multiple T20 leagues might have led to a paradigm shift in priorities for some leading international cricketers but England Test captain Ben Stokes is very categorical that his participation in the 2023 IPL will depend on the national team’s calendar.

Stokes, one of the world’s leading all-rounders, has already called it quits in 50-over format, in order to strike a better work-life balance and nothing is more important for him than wearing the pristine whites.

“It is a case of looking at schedules, looking ahead at what we have got coming up. But as I have made it very clear, Test cricket is at the forefront of my mind and all of my time decisions will be based around Test matches.

“Now being the captain, I have the responsibility to do that,” Stokes said during a virtual interaction organized by ‘Prime Video’ on the occasion of the release of his documentary series ‘Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes’.

For the 31-year-old, who has scored 5320 runs and taken close to 200 wickets (185) in 84 Tests, IPL is an amazing tournament but he will only play if his jam-packed schedule allows him to.

“I’ve played in the IPL for four years. I’ve loved it every time I’ve been there. It’s an amazing competition to be part of, not just for the spectacle of the IPL but the opportunity to work along with the best players in the world, and some of the best coaches.”