England Test captain Ben Stokes will not be part of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. This development comes as a result of his decision not to register for the mega-auction.
The all-rounder’s absence from the IPL is primarily due to his increasing workload and injury concerns. Stokes has been managing a series of injuries in recent years, including a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a significant period.
Furthermore, the BCCI’s revised IPL rules have added another layer of complexity. Any overseas player who fails to register for the mega auction will be ineligible to participate in the following year’s auction. This rule is designed to encourage players to prioritize the IPL and prevent them from selectively participating in the league.
Stokes’s absence from the IPL 2025 auction is a significant loss for the tournament. His aggressive batting and all-round abilities have made him a fan favorite in the league. However, his decision to prioritize Test cricket is understandable, given the demanding nature of the format.