Ben Stokes to Skip 2025 IPL for Test Cricket

Ben Stokes, England's Test cricket captain, is expected to forgo the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) to prioritize his Test cricket commitments with England. Facing a crucial year with series against India and Australia, Stokes joins other English players in skipping IPL due to a packed Test schedule. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has introduced new rules penalizing players who withdraw from the IPL without valid reasons, possibly influencing these decisions. Stokes last played in the IPL in 2023 with Chennai Super Kings, but injuries limited his participation. Despite his absence from the IPL, Stokes has hinted at a possible return to white-ball cricket, having previously retired and then returned for the 2023 ODI World Cup. The IPL's mega auction is scheduled for late November, with English players contemplating their participation amid these new regulations.