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England’s Test skipper Ben Stokes has finally revealed the reason for opting out of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. The 33-year-old didn’t register himself for the IPL 2025 mega auction which took place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25. Stokes has played 45 games in his IPL career so far for the franchises like Rising Pune Supergiants, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Ben Stokes was last seen playing for CSK in IPL 2023, after the franchise bought him for a whopping ₹16.25 Crore. However, the all-rounder only played two matches that year he had to sit out for the rest of the tournament due to injury. Now, according to the new rules and regulations by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Stokes has been sidelined from participating in the cash-rich league after not registering his name in the mega.
I’m at the back-end of my career: Ben Stokes
Speaking for the first time after the IPL 2025 mega auction, Ben Stokes revealed that he wants to prolong his international career with the England Cricket team. The all-rounder also revealed that he is currently at the backend of his career and there is so much cricket going on in the world. Stokes is currently with the England squad for the ongoing Test series against New Zealand.
“[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,” Stokes was quoted as saying by KhelNow.
“[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,” the English Test skipper further added.
