Ben Stokes is exploring a deal to play in Major League Cricket (MLC), dealing a further blow to any hopes of him returning to England duty for next year’s Ashes.
Stokes ended his 15-year international career in June, aged 35, after the Test series defeat by New Zealand. But speculation has been rife that he could return for the Ashes next year, not least because England’s managing director said last week that he would “not be surprised” if he did so.
Stokes has moved to quell this speculation, telling the For The Love Of Cricket podcast this week (below) that he is “definitely” retired.
Stokes is playing for Durham in the Metro Bank One Day Cup and will be involved in the County Championship run-in as they push for promotion. After this season, he intends to mix playing for Durham with franchise cricket.
Stokes is close to joining Big Bash League side Sydney Sixers on a lucrative deal – reported in Australia to be the most expensive in the league’s history – at Christmas, but he is also interested in a mid-summer stint in the MLC.
MLC does not have confirmed dates for 2027 yet, but this year’s competition ran from June 19 to July 19, in a slot between the IPL and Hundred, and it is expected to be similar next year. If it is, that would create a direct clash with the first three Ashes Tests.
Private ownership has helped MLC attract significant cricketers, including Australians such as Pat Cummins and Travis Head, although it is still building its support base.
Signing Stokes would be a coup for the league. 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.
No English players took part in MLC this year, although players such as Jason Roy and Alex Hales have before.