‘Decisions Will Be Based Around Test Matches’- Ben Stokes On Playing Indian T20 League
Ben Stokes is among the best all-rounders in world cricket. This is the prime reason why he has attracted high bids whenever he has put his name in the Indian T20 League auction. However, the ace-allrounder decided to skip the Indian T20 League 2022 to manage his workload. In the season prior to that, the left-handed batter played a lone game for the Rajasthan franchise before getting injured. Before the second leg of the 2021 season, he took a break from cricket to focus on his mental health.
In this era of bio-bubbles, franchise tournaments, and tight schedules, Stokes has set his priorities known. He recently, announced his retirement from ODIs as the veteran felt he would not be able to give his 100% in the 50-overs format.
Being appointed England Test skipper earlier this year, Stokes has his intentions clear that he will be prioritizing Test cricket over foreign franchise cricket leagues across the globe. He also stated that even though he plays a format less, he will only participate in the Indian T20 League after looking at the schedule.
“As England cricketers, our schedule is jam-packed and we seem to be playing all year around. I think our summer is everybody’s winter and when our winter comes along, it is everybody’s summer. So, people are either coming here to play or we are touring to play cricket. It is a case of looking at schedules, looking ahead at what we have got coming up. But as I have made it very clear, that Test cricket is at the forefront of my mind and all of my time decisions will be based around Test matches. Now being the captain, I have the responsibility to do that,” said Stokes during a select media call organized by Prime Video, which will be streaming Stokes’ documentary ‘Ben Stokes: Phoenix From The Ashes’ from August 26.
“So yeah, my commitment outside of any international cricket will be based around our schedule and what international cricket we have got coming up but you know, I have played in the Indian T20 League for four years. I have loved it every time I have been there. It is an amazing competition to be part of, not just for the spectacle of the Indian T20 League but the opportunity to work along with the best players in the world, and some of the best coaches. It is just an amazing experience to be involved in but as I said, there is a schedule to be looked at around the window of the Indian T20 League,” he added.
Stokes is currently leading his national side in Tests against South Africa in England. England suffered a humiliating loss of an innings and 12 runs. The hosts will look to make amends in the second Test scheduled to take place on August 25 in Old Trafford, Manchester.
