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Ben Stokes - (Source: X)
On June 28, 2026, Ben Stokes announced his international retirement at the age of 35. The star all-rounder made a shocking decision in the 3rd Test against New Zealand. More than age and fitness, the decision stemmed from the recent nightclub controversy, which saw him get suspended for the 2nd Test.
Following the retirement, Ben Stokes turned up to play for his domestic side, Durham. Stokes is currently playing in the England One Day Cup for Durham, where he slammed a century.
Ben Stokes Shines On Domestic Return
Ben Stokes, playing for Durham, locked horns against Derbyshire on July 21. Stokes proved that he still had it and slammed a 123-ball century. The 35-year-old helped his side register a comfortable five-wicket win.
Following the match, the Durham coach spoke to the media, where he confirmed that Stokes will be available for most of the One-Day Matches.
"He is now a retired Test superstar who has reported back for duty for Durham, so we will basically plot a course that will involve playing in the One-Day Cup and playing as many of the six four-day matches," Campbell told BBC Radio Tees.
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"We're obviously going to keep an eye on him if his loads are going through the roof, but he's tough. At this stage he's going to play every game we can," he added.
Stokes Open For IPL Return
In the same interaction, the Durham coach revealed that Ben Stokes is open to franchise cricket. For the uninitiated, Ben has not played in any T20 league since 2023 due to injuries and national commitments.
"But, just listening to him, there will be a couple of franchise worlds that he will want to put his toes into and with that, plus our stuff, I reckon it's pretty exciting for him," Campbell told media.
Ben Stokes last played IPL in 2023 and featured for the Chennai Super Kings. However, the all-rounder was injured for most of the tournament and played just 2 matches in that season.
Ben Stokes Allowed For IPL Return?
In 2024, Ben pulled out of the IPL auction, and as per the latest BCCI rules, the former England captain was banned from the league for 2 years. However, the 35-year-old has served his punishment and is now available to register for the IPL 2027 mini-auction.
Several IPL teams are hunting for a great and reliable all-rounder. The likes of CSK, KKR, and MI lack a genuine all-rounder, and they can target the 35-year-old if he wishes to register for the IPL 2027 auction.
Stokes Prioritises Durham over The Hundred
Interestingly, while there is interest from franchise cricket for Ben Stokes, but the Durham boy didn’t even register for England’s premier franchise league, The Hundred. Stokes last played for Northern Superchargers, now Sunrisers Leeds, in 2024.
Stokes chose to focus on his fitness and playing 50-over domestic cricket for Durham rather than The Hundred 2026.
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