Ben Stokes out of IPL 2025 and 2026 as England captain skips mega auction

England Test captain Ben Stokes has made the decision to skip the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, as well as the 2026 edition, following recent changes in IPL rules that state overseas players who did not enter this auction would be ineligible next year. Stokes’ decision, which aligns with his commitment to England’s international schedule, stands in contrast to former England bowler James Anderson and pacer Jofra Archer, who have both registered for the November auction.

Ben Stokes absent from 2025 IPL Auction List

Ben Stokes’ absence is notable, especially as the IPL auction on 24-25 November will see a large number of English players vying for opportunities, with 52 players signing up for the pool.

The 33-year-old’s withdrawal makes him ineligible for both 2025 and 2026 under the IPL’s updated rules. Stokes, who led England to an Ashes series win, appears focused on sustaining his form for England’s Test and white-ball series.

James Anderson joins IPL Auction

Meanwhile, England’s leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson, aged 42 and retired from international duty since July, has put his name forward for the IPL auction. Anderson’s participation is unique, as he has not played T20 cricket since 2014 and has yet to participate in any global T20 league. Anderson’s choice, despite being in the latter stages of his career, brings fresh attention to his potential impact on the franchise stage.

Jofra Archer looks ahead

Fast bowler Jofra Archer, the IPL’s MVP in 2020, has also registered for the auction, signalling a comeback following multiple injuries to his back and elbow. Archer, at 29, has returned to competitive cricket this year in white-ball formats, and while England fans hope to see him in Test cricket next summer, the 2025 IPL schedule could clash with early rounds of the County Championship, limiting his availability to prove Test fitness.

IPL’s New Rule on Overseas Player withdrawal

In a bid to increase player commitment, the IPL introduced a rule this year preventing overseas players who pull out after signing from returning for two years. With the 2025 IPL schedule expected to overlap with England’s domestic County Championship, England players might face choices that impact both their franchise and international cricket opportunities.

England’s international calendar next year shows a gap between March’s Champions Trophy and a four-day Test against Zimbabwe on 22 May, offering some players a chance to participate in the IPL.

Full Player List yet to be released

The IPL has reported that 1,574 players are registered for the 2025 auction, though a final list is not yet available. Over the coming weeks, franchises will narrow down potential picks, with a full roster expected shortly before the auction. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has not yet clarified which centrally-contracted players are in the auction pool, though no England player was retained by IPL franchises, including white-ball captain Jos Buttler, who was recently released.

Buttler’s Return to England Squad

England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler, currently recovering from a calf injury, joined England’s training in Barbados and aims to return for the T20 series against West Indies. Although Buttler has previously kept wickets in 106 of his last 108 T20s for England, he will step aside for Phil Salt to take over, reflecting England’s effort to refresh the white-ball side after recent struggles. Salt expressed his thoughts on the shift, saying, “Maybe it will get a little bit more out of him at mid-off, having an opportunity to chat to the bowlers.”

Ben Stokes’ absence from the IPL reflects his dedication to national commitments, leaving the auction spotlight on veterans like Anderson and emerging stars like Archer, all set to shape what promises to be an eventful IPL 2025 season.