Why Ben Stokes and Joe Root Face IPL Ban Until 2027
England cricketers Ben Stokes and Joe Root are set to miss the Indian Premier League (IPL) until 2027, following their decision to skip registration for the 2025 IPL mega auction. This move, outlined by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), indicates a significant shift in the IPL’s policies regarding player auctions and participation rules.
Both Stokes, the England Test captain, and Root have been pivotal figures in international cricket. Their absence from the IPL, however, has led to speculation and analysis concerning the new BCCI guidelines. According to the rules, any overseas player failing to enter the mega auction will be ineligible to register for the following year’s auction. This regulation seems intended to ensure consistency and long-term commitment from overseas cricketers, preventing them from selectively participating based on lucrative contracts during mini auctions.
Historically, star players, including Stokes, have been able to opt out of mega auctions and re-enter through mini auctions with significant financial rewards. Notably, after missing the 2022 mega auction, Stokes returned to the league in 2023, securing a high-value contract with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Rs. 16.25 crore. This demonstrated how flexible registration options could enable players to maximize earnings without sustained participation. Stokes’ IPL journey began in 2017 when he joined Rising Pune SuperGiant for Rs. 14.25 crore, becoming a marquee player almost instantly.
The BCCI’s tighter rules appear aimed at preventing such sporadic involvement. An official statement reinforced this notion, highlighting that any overseas player opting out of the mega auction faces restricted entry in subsequent auctions. Additionally, players withdrawing after securing contracts will face a two-year ban from IPL participation, a move designed to enhance player commitment to franchises.
The policy changes could profoundly impact team strategies during auctions, potentially altering franchise dynamics and overall competition levels. Stokes and Root, while unavailable for upcoming seasons, could re-enter the league in 2027. By then, their return would occur through a mini-auction process, assuming current regulations remain in place. For now, their absence from the league means a significant void in terms of skill, experience, and star power.
The IPL’s 2025 mega auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, will reflect this regulatory evolution. Franchises and players alike will need to navigate a transformed landscape, marked by stricter guidelines and higher stakes. As cricketing leagues worldwide grow increasingly competitive, ensuring consistency and dependability from high-profile players has emerged as a priority.
Beyond Stokes and Root’s situation, this broader regulatory shift underscores the IPL’s commitment to a more structured approach to its global appeal. As new policies take effect, both seasoned cricketers and emerging talents will have to consider their long-term strategies when deciding to participate in the world’s most popular cricket league.
Meanwhile, other cricket developments continue to make headlines. Notably, the second ODI between Australia and Pakistan kicked off in Australia, drawing significant viewership. Back in India, Karnataka witnessed predictions of light to moderate rainfall, indicating potential weather disruptions for various matches and events. On the lifestyle front, Bollywood stars made fashion statements at festive gatherings, showcasing the latest saree trends, while global climate commitments remained a pressing issue in international policy discussions.
In addition, cricket enthusiasts continue to follow various tournaments and matches across formats. In international cricket, discussions about players like Shreyas Iyer, Khaleel Ahmed, and Washington Sundar spark excitement as teams prepare for upcoming series and global events. As always, cricket remains a unifying force, weaving stories of athleticism, resilience, and changing policies that redefine the game for future generations. The changing dynamics around the IPL, embodied by figures like Stokes and Root, reflect the league’s evolution and its pursuit of new standards in player commitment and engagement.