Ben Stokes, a former England all-rounder, is considering playing in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2027 season, raising more doubts about his potential to play in the Ashes series that summer.
In June, during the Third Test match at Trent Bridge against New Zealand, Ben Stokes declared his retirement from international cricket.
Speaking on the “For the Love of Cricket” Podcast recently, Ben Stokes dispelled rumours that he may return for England’s major series the following year by declaring that he was “definitely” retired.
But according to The Telegraph, the all-rounder is nearing a hefty contract with the Sydney Sixers for the 2026–2027 Big Bash League while also considering summer stints in the United States. Although the dates for the 2027 season have not yet been established, they may conflict with the first few Ashes Tests because the competition will take place during the gap between the IPL and The Hundred.
Currently playing for Durham in the One-Day Cup, Ben Stokes has amassed 193 runs in four innings, including a half-century and a century. After the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) modified its regulations to let white-ball-only players to compete in tournaments that conflict with the English summer, the club would be willing to give Stokes flexibility with his contracts and arrangements.
According to additional reports, Ben Stokes is anticipated to play for Durham in the One-Day Cup and County Championship but not the T20 Blast, which may allow him to participate in the MLC.
“Durham is really important to me. Stokes stated earlier in the week, as reported by The Telegraph, “We have experienced ups and downs as a county, all the financial stuff, being relegated, so it’s my job now to play for Durham and I am desperate to do whatever I can do to help them, whether it’s win the trophy this year in the 50-over competition or get back to Division One, which is where I think we deserve to be.”
Although the MLC is still developing its fan base, English stars like Jason Roy and Alex Hales have participated in the competition, and the league has seen big names like Pat Cummins and Travis Head play.
