Ben Stokes to decide on IPL 2023 participation based on English calendar, suggests 40-over ODI-format

IPL will depend on the national team's calendar. Stokes, one of the world's leading all-rounders, has already called it quits in 50-over format, in order to strike a better work-life balance and nothing is more important for him than wearing the pristine whites. "It is a case of looking at schedules, looking ahead at what we have got coming up.

But as I have made it very clear, Test cricket is at the forefront of my mind and all of my time decisions will be based around Test matches. "Now being the captain, I have the responsibility to do that," Stokes told PTI during a virtual interaction organized by 'Amazon Prime Video' on the occasion of the release of his documentary series 'Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes'. For the 31-year-old, who has scored 5320 runs and taken close to 200 wickets (185) in 84 Tests, IPL is an "amazing tournament" but he will only play if his jam-packed schedule allows him to.

"I've played in the IPL for four years. I've loved it every time I've been there. It's an amazing competition to be part of, not just for the spectacle of the IPL but the opportunity to work along with the best players in the world, and some of the best coaches.

"It is just an amazing experience to be involved in but as I said, there is a schedule to be looked at around the window of the IPL," Stokes, who had once got more than USD 2 million bid from Rajasthan Royals, added. He then explained the reason why it always becomes difficult for England players to feature in the IPL. "As England cricketers, our schedule is jam-packed and we seem to be playing all year around.