Reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings have confirmed that their star all-rounder Ben Stokes will be missing out on the next edition of the tournament. In their official statement, CSK wrote, “England Test captain, all-rounder Ben Stokes has made himself unavailable for IPL 2024 to manage his workload and fitness.”
They also mentioned that the team is in full support of Stokes’ decision to balance his commitments.
“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 World Cup in June 2024”, CSK added.
Stokes came out of ODI retirement to help his team retain their crowns as world champions in India. Several fans seemed unhappy after CSK confirmed that Stokes will be missing out on the 2024 edition of the IPL.
Fans reacted to the news with most of them expressing their disappointment over the decision. One fan took a dig at the cricketer saying, “A good decision that is why CSK is going to release him before the IPL 2024.”
A good decision that is why CSK is going to release him before the IPL 2024.— Tanveer Hassan (@tanveercric56_) November 23, 2023
Amid the criticism from fans, some appreciated Ben Stokes’ dedication to his national team. “He is someone who always puts country over IPL. That is why he won the 2019 WC and 2022 T20I WC for his country”, read a response.
He is someone who always puts country over IPL. That is why he won 2019 WC and 2022 T20I WC for his country.— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 23, 2023
Another backed the statement by saying, “His main focus is on IND vs ENG test series.”
His main focus on IND vs ENG test series— ANANT ???????? (@Akk_vk18) November 23, 2023
While one suggested that Ben Stokes was emotionally hurt by CSK’s release and the shocking World Cup exit. “He got hurt by CSK release and World Cup loss”, the comment read.
He got hurt by CSK release and World Cup loss— Manu (@virat_facts) November 23, 2023
Ben Stokes was a part of CSK in the IPL 2023 edition with the franchise spending around ₹16.5 crores to acquire the services of the English all-rounder. But due to a knee injury, Stokes could feature in two games for CSK last year while scoring 15 runs at an average of 7.50.
Ben Stokes’ decision to back out from the IPL has now left CSK with a massive purse of 28 crores. This could see the defending IPL champions go after some prolific players like New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell or Australia’s Travis Head. All of them produced some phenomenal performances at the 2023 World Cup and will likely be on the radar of most of the franchises in the next IPL auction.
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