England all-rounder Ben Stokes announced that he is taking an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect “to prioritise his mental wellbeing”.
Ben Stokes Takes Indefinite Break
Stokes has withdrawn from England’s Test squad ahead of a five-match series against India starting at Trent Bridge next week, with his place taken by Craig Overton.
“The England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that Ben Stokes will take an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect,” said a statement from the governing body.
“Stokes has withdrawn from England’s Test squad ahead of the Test series against India starting next week to prioritise his mental wellbeing and to rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month.”
“England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes has taken an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect,” ICC tweeted.
BREAKING: England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes has taken an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/lcQSAMYUGt
— ICC (@ICC) July 30, 2021
The ECB said they fully supported Stokes’ decision and would continue to help him during his time away from the game, with their managing director of men’s cricket, Ashley Giles, saying: “Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing.
“Our primary focus has always been and will continue to be the mental health and welfare of all of our people. The demands on our athletes to prepare and play elite sport are relentless in a typical environment, but the ongoing pandemic has acutely compounded this.”
Dinesh Karthik React to Ben stokes’ Decision
As soon as Stokes’ sabbatical news broke out, the cricket fraternity expressed their shock and concern for players. Dinesh Karthik, who is featuring in The Hundred as a commentator, also reacted to the development, while replying to Mirror Sport’s tweet. Here’s what he wrote –
Also read: The Hundred Points Table – Both Men’s and Women’s
