NEWS
Follow UsChennai Super Kings (CSK) have confirmed that Ben Stokes, who was bought for INR 16.25 crore in the auction in lead-up to IPL 2023, will miss the 2024 season of the competition in order to manage his workload.
Stokes, who recently came out of retirement to feature in the 50-over World Cup in India, is set to undergo knee surgery and is already expected to be in a race against time to be fit for the five-match Test series against India in January. The 32-year-old is then expected to also play in the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States in June.
As a result, the all-rounder has withdrawn from the forthcoming IPL edition to manage both his physical and mental workload, being the skipper of the England Test side.
“The Chennai Super Kings management is supportive of Ben in his decision to manage his workload with England playing a 5-Test series in India before the IPL and then the T20 World Cup in June 2024,” CSK confirmed in a statement.
It remains to be seen whether the franchise will release Stokes from their roster. Such a move would free up INR 16.25 crore ahead of the mini-auction that is set to take place on December 19 in Dubai. Franchises will need to put in their retention list by 26 November, which is the deadline.
One of the most expensive signings of all time, Stokes had a disappointing 2023 season despite CSK lifting the title. Injuries meant that the all-rounder was only able to make 2 appearances. He left the CSK camp early in order to prepare for The Ashes, which England eventually drew 2-2.
