Ben Stokes will not play T20 World Cup: Decision taken due to lack of bowling fitness, said- Decision taken to become a better all-rounder

It was under the captaincy of Stokes that England won the 2022 World Cup.

Ben Stokes will not play the T20 World Cup to be held in June. England management said that Stokes has withdrawn his name. Stokes was part of England's 2022 World Cup winning team. In the final of the tournament, he scored the winning run for the team by scoring a half-century. England defeated Pakistan by five wickets at MCG. Stokes has not played a single T20 International match since the T20 World Cup 2022.

In a statement issued by the England Cricket Board on Tuesday, Stokes said, I have been working hard and continuing to focus on my bowling fitness to return as an all-rounder in all formats of cricket.

Stokes further said, the decision to opt out of IPL and World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that will help me become a better all-rounder in the future.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup will be played from June 1 to 29 in 9 cities of West Indies and America.

The level of my bowling came to light in the Test series in India – Stokes
Stokes said, the recent Test tour of India showed me how far behind I have fallen in bowling. I am looking forward to playing for Durham in the County Championship before the start of our Test summer. I wish the T20 World Cup team captain Jos Buttler, Matthew Mott and the entire team all the best to defend their title.

In the Test series against India held in February-March 2024, Stokes was able to bowl only five overs.

Came back from retirement to play ODI World Cup, will now play county
Ben Stokes retired from ODI cricket in the year 2022. After this he reversed his decision to play in the ODI World Cup in October-November last year. However, this forced him to delay knee surgery, and he was able to bowl only five overs during England's recent 4–1 Test series defeat against India. Having been ruled out of IPL 2024, he is hoping to play for Durham in the County Championship in the next few months.

Stokes played 43 T-20 matches for England
Stokes has played only three T20Is for England outside the World Cup in the last three years. He has played only 43 T-20 matches in his career. In this he scored 1 half-century and took 26 wickets. They can still be in contention for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Livingston may get a chance in place of Stokes
In the absence of Stokes, England may give Liam Livingston a chance at number 4. Livingston batted at number four during the 3–2 defeat to the West Indies in December.

However, Livingston left the field due to a muscle strain while fielding for Punjab Kings on Sunday. Now their scan results are being awaited. Apart from Livingston, Surrey all-rounder Jamie Overton will also be in contention.