England Captain Ben Stokes Breaks Silence On His IPL Participation

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was acquired by MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for jaw-dropping Rs. 16.25 crore in this year's auction.

Days after IPL gets over, England will play the iconic Ashes Test series against Australia. ( Image Source :PTI )

England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes suffered a knee injury on the final day of England's second Test against New Zealand. Seeing Stokes struggle on the field gave rise to speculations whether the English all-rounder, who was acquired by MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for jaw-dropping Rs. 16.25 crore, would miss this year's Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, Stokes has put an end to all such speculations, while sharing a big update on his fitness. After ENG vs NZ 2nd Test got over, Stokes,  in the post-match press conference, confirmed his participation in IPL 2023.

"I am going to the IPL. I have had conversations with ‘Flem’ (CSK coach Stephen Fleming) and he’s fully aware of the situation with my body. It’s a week by week case at the moment," Stokes said in the post-match press conference.

Days after IPL gets over, England will play the iconic Ashes Test series against Australia. Stokes vowed that he would attain full fitness in next four months, before the Ashes.

"I am not going to lie, it’s incredibly frustrating knowing something has been holding me back from performing as I’d like to. I have been working hard with the physios and the medics trying to get myself to a place where I can fulfil my role as I have done for the last 10 year," Stokes said.

"I’ve got a four-month period now to get it better before the Ashes because I want to be turning up for the first Test in Birmingham able to fulfil my role properly. I’ll be doing everything I can to give myself the best opportunity not to have to worry about it," he added.