Ben Stokes Might Risk Multi-Million Dollar IPL Contract To Play In Cricket World Cup

Ben Stokes’ remarkable ability to galvanize England was in full force during the Ashes – cricket’s biggest series – where he ensured the team’s aggressive approach that he helped usher in would not spectacularly implode against rivals Australia.

Impressively sticking with ‘Bazball’, but smartly trimming its excesses, England overcame a 0-2 hole to ultimately level the series in a validation of their style preached since the ascension of Stokes as captain last year alongside coach Brendon McCullum.

With ‘Bazball’ living up to the hype, captivating not only its lukewarm cricket populace but also the entire cricket world, other countries inevitably have started copying England’s blueprint.

But its success might not be replicable because Stokes exudes the ultra-attacking, positive approach. ‘Bazball’s not jargon for him, it’s a way of life. It’s like legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson’s triangle offense – a philosophy emphasizing ball movement – which meant something much deeper for the basketball maverick and had limited success when tried by other coaches.

Even though he barely bowled due to a lingering knee injury, Stokes pushed through to play all five Tests amid a tight timeframe to be the most influential figure in the series

He outpointed opposite number Pat Cummins and stirred England’s confidence with a devastating century at Lord’s in defeat, an innings of such brutality that it lifted his team from the canvas.

By the end of the series, ‘Bazball’ has been seemingly perfected with top-ranked Australia looking helpless and perhaps fortunate to have avoided defeat. They left with the retention of the famous urn, but unfulfilled and ragged having been overpowered by a relentless England as the series progressed.

Noticeably affected by his knee injury, Stokes gave it everything in the Ashes – a series he might not be around to contest when England tours Australia in 2025-26.

Stokes’ muscular approach and exertion, where he can bend a game through sheer willpower like few players have, has put a strain on his body and he’s certainly an aging 32-year-old. ‘Bazball’ could very well fizzle away without Stokes, who in a bid to prolong his career decided last year to retire from 50-over cricket.

But according to The Telegraph, Stokes is likely to come out of retirement and be part of England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in India. As reported, he’s likely to only play as a specialist middle-order batter but his participation might mean a delay in expected knee surgery.

With England’s next Test assignment in India in January – in the toughest challenge in cricket – Stokes will have to delay surgery until after the tour in a clash with the Indian Premier League, cricket’s most lucrative T20 franchise competition.

Stokes has a $2 million contract with Chennai Super Kings, but is reportedly willing to forego the cash to be part of England’s title defence. Again proving his penchant for mustering his best amid a cauldron, Stokes was the player of the match in England’s triumphs at the World Cup in 2019 and last year’s T20 World Cup.

His inclusion undoubtedly boosts England’s chances in a competition where India start favorites on home soil. There will be concern over Stokes’ long-term health given his heavy demands under duress, but his willingness to risk it all underlines the gravitas of the World Cup despite the ailing 50-over format.

The 50-over showpiece remains cricket’s biggest global event despite the rise of T20 cricket. According to sources, the future of the ODI format has been discussed at ICC board level with some administrators believing the 50-over game is at its death knell.

But the format endures for now basically because of the cash-spinning 50-over World Cup, which still clearly means something for Stokes.

It’s also an increasingly rare victory for international cricket amid threats from T20 franchise leagues.