Xtra Time Web Desk: Ben Stokes, the veteran all-rounder from England, has announced his decision to opt out of the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place later this year in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). Stokes cited his desire to focus on improving his fitness and fulfilling his responsibilities as a premier all-rounder for the English cricket team across all formats.
Stokes faced challenges in fulfilling his all-rounder role during the recently-concluded Test series against India. Despite leading the visiting team, he primarily focused on his batting and bowled only in the last Test match, where he managed to take the crucial wicket of India captain Rohit Sharma with his very first delivery. England missed Stokes’s bowling contribution as they suffered a 4-1 defeat in the series, despite winning the opener.
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“I’m working hard and focusing on building my bowling fitness back up to fulfil a full role as an all-rounder in all formats of cricket. Opting out of the IPL and the World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that allows me to be the all-rounder I want to be for the foreseeable future.’ Stokes said in a statement.
In addition to opting out of the T20 World Cup, Stokes also decided not to participate in the IPL 2024 season. He was bought by the Chennai franchise for a significant sum but played only two matches in the previous season. Before the 2024 IPL auction, Stokes withdrew from the tournament, and the Super Kings released him from their squad.
Stokes emphasized his commitment to improving his bowling fitness to play a full all-rounder role in all cricket formats. He mentioned that his decision to skip the IPL and the World Cup was a sacrifice aimed at becoming the all-rounder he aspires to be in the future.
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Stokes’s contribution was pivotal in England’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2022 final against Pakistan in Melbourne, where he played a match-winning knock, scoring a 49-ball 52. His performance played a significant role in England securing their second T20 World Cup title in men’s cricket.