Ben Stokes’ decision to skip the 2025 IPL season highlights his prioritization of long-term career sustainability over short-term playing commitments. At the “back end” of his career, as he put it, Stokes is clearly making strategic decisions to preserve his fitness and extend his playing days, especially given the intense demands of modern cricket.
Having missed the 2024 IPL season to manage his workload after a hamstring injury, Stokes’ decision to sit out IPL 2025 further reinforces his desire to focus on key international commitments, particularly England’s cricketing goals. His statement about “looking after my body” and “prioritising games” reflects the mindset of a player who is not only aware of his physical limits but also actively planning to make the most of his remaining years at the highest level.
While Stokes has been a prominent figure in the IPL, with stints at teams like Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings, his focus on international cricket—especially with England—appears to be his top priority now. Given his significant contributions to England’s success in recent years, especially in their 2019 World Cup win and their Ashes triumphs, it’s understandable why he’s keen to balance his international commitments with a reduced playing schedule.
Stokes’ decision serves as a reminder of the physical and mental demands faced by cricketers today, and how players at the tail end of their careers must make tough calls about where to invest their time and energy. With the IPL being a high-intensity tournament, managing these demands is critical for maintaining peak performance in international cricket.