Ben Stokes Opted Out of IPL 2025 Auction to Focus on Prolonging Career

England Test captain Ben Stokes has confirmed that he deliberately chose not to enter the IPL 2025 mega auction, opting instead to manage his playing commitments carefully as he enters the latter stages of his cricket career. Stokes’ decision means he will miss out on the IPL until 2026, at which point he will be 35.

Under new IPL regulations, players who have previously participated in the tournament but do not register for the mega auction are barred from entering the subsequent mini-auction. Stokes, who has previously commanded hefty contracts with franchises like Rising Pune Supergiants, Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), would have likely fetched a lucrative deal had he opted into the auction.

Focus on Longevity and Well-being

Speaking ahead of England’s first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, Stokes acknowledged that he is at the “back-end of his career” and is prioritizing his physical well-being to extend his playing days. The allrounder, who has battled knee and hamstring injuries over the past year, emphasized the importance of managing his body and workload in order to play for as long as possible.

“There’s no hiding behind the fact that I’m at the back-end of my career,” Stokes said. “Looking after my body and myself as much as I can is key to that.”

With a busy 2025 schedule ahead, including a five-match Test series against India and the Ashes later in the year, Stokes is focused on staying fit for England’s most important fixtures. Additionally, with Brendon McCullum taking charge of the limited-overs teams, there is the possibility of Stokes returning to the ODI fold for the Champions Trophy in February.

Managing Workloads and Prioritizing Key Fixtures

Having spent much of the last year recovering from surgery on his left knee and a torn right hamstring, Stokes is taking a more measured approach to his international commitments. He is also set to play for MI Cape Town in the SA20 league early in the year. Stokes admitted that listening to his body and making strategic decisions about which games to prioritize is essential to ensuring he can continue representing England for as long as possible.

“Prioritizing games and when I do play is important. I want to wear this England shirt for as long as I can,” he said.

Impact on ECB and Jofra Archer’s IPL Entry

Stokes’ decision also helps the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which found itself in a difficult position when it had to allow Jofra Archer to enter the IPL auction despite initially blocking the move. Archer, whose ECB contract runs until October 2025, was bought by Rajasthan Royals for £1.2 million (approximately $1.49 million). Stokes, by not entering the auction, avoided complicating matters further for the ECB, as it would have faced the same dilemma if he had been picked in the auction and later withdrawn.

Ultimately, Stokes’ decision reflects his commitment to his international career and the long-term goal of preserving his physical condition to play at the highest level for as long as possible.