Why Ben Stokes pulled out of the IPL auction 2025? Check details

England's Test captain, Ben Stokes, made the decision to opt out of the IPL 2025 mega-auction, which took place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah. The 33-year-old all-rounder’s decision was influenced by the new IPL guidelines, which mandated all players to register for the mega-auction. By not participating, Stokes faces the possibility of missing the next two editions of the tournament, but he is unbothered by the potential consequences. His primary focus remains on his international career with England, and he is determined to continue representing his country for as long as possible.

Ahead of England's upcoming Test series against New Zealand, Stokes explained that he is nearing the end of his cricketing career and wants to prioritize playing for his national team. Despite the immense financial rewards and fame that come with the IPL, Stokes feels his commitment to England and the desire to contribute to their success in all formats takes precedence. The decision to skip the IPL auction has sparked discussions around Stokes’ future in franchise leagues, with many wondering if this signals the end of his IPL involvement. However, for Stokes, it is clear that the opportunity to play for England, especially in the longer formats, is what drives him, and he is willing to make sacrifices to ensure he can continue to wear the England shirt for as long as possible.

“There’s just so much cricket. There’s no hiding behind the fact that I’m at the back end of my career. I obviously want to play as long as I possibly can. Looking after my body and looking after myself as much as I can is key to that – prioritising games and when I do play,” England skipper Ben Stokes told BBC Test match special.

“Obviously, I’m in South Africa this year (with MI Cape Town in the SA20), so it’s about looking at what I’ve got ahead and making the decision that I think is right for me to be able to prolong my career as long as possible. I want to be wearing this England shirt for as long as I can,” he added.

Ben Stokes praised New Zealand for their remarkable achievement of defeating India 3-0 in the subcontinent, a feat that many teams, including England, have struggled to replicate. Earlier this year, England faced a tough 4-1 loss to India in their own backyard, and Stokes acknowledged the immense challenge of winning in India. Reflecting on the Kiwis' achievement, Stokes expressed his admiration, emphasizing that New Zealand’s victory was not just significant for the team but for the entire cricketing world.

Stokes, who was born in Christchurch, highlighted the difficulty of succeeding in India, where conditions are notoriously challenging for visiting teams. The Black Caps' triumph over India, a team known for their dominance at home, was a historic moment in cricket, and Stokes recognized the magnitude of the accomplishment. According to him, this victory has set a new benchmark in world cricket, proving that even in the most testing of conditions, success is possible. For Stokes, New Zealand’s achievement was a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement of the game, showcasing that anything can happen in cricket, no matter how long it has been since a team last accomplished such a feat.