Ben Stokes Picks His Side Between MLC And Ashes Return

Ben Stokes retired from international cricket in June this year | PC- AFP

England's prolific all-rounder, Ben Stokes, announced a sudden retirement from international cricket in June this year, causing a disruption in the English cricket.

The 35-year-old is currently featuring in the England One-Day Cup for Durham, while sidelining the country's hottest property, The Hundred 2026.

Although there has been speculation that Stokes could reverse his retirement, he is blocking his calendar by exploring options in foreign T20 leagues, which would prevent him from returning to international cricket, especially the next Ashes 2027. 

That said, the former England Test captain recently shut all talks regarding a retirement reversal by stating "he is definitely retired" on a podcast.

Ben Stokes exploring his options at MLC

According to The Telegraph, Ben Stokes is exploring his options at the Major League Cricket (MLC 2027) in the USA, a destination the former England international loves to travel to with his family.

"It is unclear whether he has begun negotiations with specific teams, but sources with knowledge of the situation say he is keen to play in the US-based league," the report stated.

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Interestingly, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced strict clauses for its contracted players, ensuring that no cricketer could sign a contract with a foreign league during the windows for the T20 Blast and The Hundred. 

Notably, no English cricketer featured in the recently concluded MLC season. However, the league is making its efforts by offering lucrative contracts to Australia's Pat Cummins and Travis Head. If Stokes gets roped in by the American league, it will only increase its stocks. 

BBL franchises planning for a royal comeback for Ben Stokes

As earlier reported, the 35-year-old Ben Stokes is in a race to become the most expensive BBL player in the history of the league. Franchises like Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes are more than interested in breaking the bank for the former English all-rounder in the upcoming draft for BBL 2026/27. 

Reportedly, the BBL franchises are happy to spend nearly $60,000 (AUD) for Stokes, which would make him the costliest player in the league's history. 

It is worth noting that the Englishman has featured in the Australian league before during the BBL 2014/15, where he played four matches for the Melbourne Renegades. 

Notably, Finn Allen, who is currently with the Perth Scorchers, could also be a hot property before the upcoming BBL season, as he might end his ties with the Perth-based club. 

Can Ben Stokes return to IPL in 2027?

Moreover, Ben Stokes is reportedly set to be part of the next IPL auction before the 2027 season. He last played in the most lucrative league during the IPL 2023 for the Chennai Super Kings. 

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction, he skipped the Indian extravaganza to manage his workload and prioritise his international and Test captaincy commitments, which rules him out of the league until 2028. 

However, the BCCI could make special amends for a player like Stokes if he plans to return to the IPL. Notably, he has previously represented the RPSG-owned Pune franchise and Rajasthan Royals, along with CSK. 

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