CSK officials have confirmed that the future of Ben Stokes in the franchise will be decided after November 20.
CSK set to release Ben Stokes ahead of IPL 2024
CSK is planning on deciding the future of England all-rounder Ben Stokes after their discussion with captain MSD. With reference to the rumors that the Super Kings are planning on releasing Stokes for the next season.
The top sources in the franchise have confirmed that it was purely out of Dhoni’s decision who will be discussing the issue with the franchise owner and the other management officials.
The talk is based on his availability for IPL 2024. He played only two matches in the IPL 2023 edition despite being auctioned for INR 16.25 crore in the mini-auction in Kochi.
The England player will be undergoing his left knee and he will require at least two months for recovery. On this occasion, the franchise was not likely to risk his availability for the next season.
While a CSK official contacted Stokes to have discussions, he said that the issue would be spoken only after the World Cup.
A CSK official stated, “We would not consider releasing Stokes if he could be available because he is a big match player, and we hold him in the highest regard. But if he can’t make it to the season, we will have blocked Rs 16 crore with which we could acquire some quality players.”
On the other hand, Lockie Ferguson will be released for the upcoming edition. He played for Gujarat in the 2022 season and was later traded to KKR in the 2023 edition.
RCB and KKR are involved in the trading involving the players Shardul Thakur and Harshal Patel.
“Considering that the T20 World Cup is slated in the West Indies and the United States from June 4 to June 30, the hectic itinerary could mean that Stokes will find it very difficult to stay in India for the better part of the first five months of the year,” said an IPL source.
The trading of the players among franchises could be revealed on November 19. The franchised has to announce the list of retentions and releases by November 26.
The auction is scheduled to be held in Dubai on December 19 at Coca Cola Arena Stadium.
