Stokes warns hardline IPL policy risks losing England talent
Ben Stokes defends Jofra Archer’s absence from the first Test, citing the need to retain key players in an evolving global market.
England captain Ben Stokes has cautioned that adopting a strict stance on player participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) could drive key talents to abandon international cricket. The warning comes as fast bowler Jofra Archer remains unavailable for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s due to his commitments with the Rajasthan Royals. Stokes argued that a punitive approach by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) risks losing players like Archer, describing the situation as potentially messy if handled incorrectly.
Stokes emphasised that the modern cricketing landscape offers financial and career opportunities that did not exist in previous decades. He noted that player availability patterns are shifting, with athletes often returning from overseas leagues shortly before Test matches. While acknowledging the frustration of former captains Michael Atherton and Michael Vaughan regarding Archer’s absence, Stokes insisted that the current environment is fundamentally different from the eras in which his predecessors played.
Archer, 31, played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL qualifier against Gujarat Titans and is currently in Barbados, his country of birth. He signed a deal worth approximately £1.2m for the 2025 IPL season and is not expected to return to England until after the first Test. The second Test at The Oval begins on 17 June, though Archer’s availability for that match remains uncertain. Stokes affirmed that Archer’s commitment to England remains strong despite the scheduling conflicts.
Batter Jacob Bethell also participated in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru but returned early due to a finger injury. Bethell has not played a red-ball match since the final Ashes Test in Sydney in January. He is expected to bat at number three in the upcoming home Test, marking his first appearance in that position for England. Stokes described such scheduling overlaps as an emerging norm that the board must accept as the game evolves.
England have not yet named their playing XI for the first Test, as Wednesday’s training session was disrupted by rain. Gus Atkinson is likely to be selected ahead of uncapped Sonny Baker. The team may omit off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in favour of an all-seam attack if weather delays allow for an extra day of play, as England look to rebuild following the 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.
