Ben Stokes to be part of IPL auctions for first time

New Delhi: England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes is all set to go under the hammer in this year’s IPL auction for the first time. 

According to a report on Cricbuzz, Stokes has expressed his desire to take part in the cash-rich league. Stokes is currently in India as a member of the England squad that will take on the hosts in a three-match ODI and as many T20Is starting from January 15.  

The auction is slated to take place on February 4 and all the eight franchises will take part in it. If Stokes is included in the list of players to be auctioned then there is a possibility of him fetching a healthy deal. 

Considering Stokes’s all round abilities and his recent performance in the five-match Test series a lot of the franchises would look to have him in their kitty.

However, there is a possibility than Stokes may not available for the latter part of the tournament as England is slated to play against Ireland in an ODI series beginning from May 5. The IPL kick starts in the first week of April and will go on till end of May. 

There has always been reluctance from the England and Wales Cricket Borad (ECB) to allow their players to participate in the IPL. It is still unclear whether they have given a green signal to Stokes.   

If all goes for Stokes, then he will join his teammates Jos Buttler (Mumbai Indians), Sam Billings (Delhi Daredevils) and Eoin Morgan (released), who have already played in the IPL.