England cricket team all-rounder Ben Stokes, currently on an indefinite break from cricket, is reportedly set to miss the upcoming T20 World Cup in October. The 30-year-old had earlier withdrawn his participation in the second phase of the Indian T20 League 2021.
Stokes, who stepped back from the sport in July to focus on his mental health, is not part of the England squad currently involved in the ongoing five-match Test series against India.
The Durham all-rounder is also said to be recuperating from a finger injury sustained while fielding for his franchise Rajasthan in their opening game of the Indian T20 League 2021.
As per ICC guidelines, all the teams are required to submit their final 15-man squad along with three reserve players by Friday, September 10, with a provision of making changes until October 10. Given the option, England could potentially include the 2019 World Cup winner in their squad for now.
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might not want to push the all-rounder as ECB director Ashley Giles announced earlier that they would give Stokes ‘all the time he needs.’
Earlier in July, Stokes led England to a 3-0 series whitewash against Pakistan at home. He later featured in two games for Leeds in the 100-ball League before taking an indefinite break from cricket.
Meanwhile, England are drawn alongside Australia, South Africa and West Indies in Group 1 for the Super 12 stages of the T20 World Cup. They will be further joined by two more teams from the qualification round.
Featured Photo: AFP/ Tolga Akmen
