England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, has opted out of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) to focus on his international career and manage his workload. Stokes emphasized the importance of prioritizing his fitness and prolonging his tenure with the England team.
In light of his decision to skip the IPL, discussions have emerged regarding his potential appointment as England’s One Day International (ODI) captain. Some, like former England bowler Stuart Broad, have criticized this move as a “desperate” attempt by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to stabilize the team. Broad expressed concerns that appointing Stokes, given his recent injury history and heavy workload, might not be the most prudent decision.
However, others argue that Stokes’s leadership qualities and experience make him a suitable candidate for the ODI captaincy. They believe his strategic mindset and ability to inspire teammates could rejuvenate England’s ODI squad.