Ben Stokes to Miss IPL 2025 Due to Rules

Ben Stokes and Joe Root have opted out of the IPL 2025 mega auction set for November 24-25, potentially rendering them ineligible for the IPL until 2027 due to a new BCCI rule. This regulation stipulates that any overseas player who does not register for a mega auction will be barred from participating in the following year's mini-auction, effectively sidelining them for two seasons. Stokes, focusing on his fitness and England's upcoming Test commitments, had also skipped IPL 2024, while Root withdrew after playing only three matches in IPL 2023. Alongside them, notable players like Jofra Archer are participating in the auction, which features 1,574 players. The new rules mark a significant shift from previous years where players had more flexibility regarding auction participation. This situation arises amid England's busy schedule, including the Champions Trophy and the Ashes series in Australia, further emphasizing the players' prioritization of international duties over franchise commitments.