Photo via BBC Sport

What next for Stokes after tumultuous summer?

Following his exit from international duties, thirty-five-year-old all-rounder Ben Stokes enters the winter without an England and Wales Cricket Board central contract for the first time since 2014. After assisting his county side, Durham, in capturing a Division Two championship title through twenty-five wickets across seven matches, the veteran is now exploring global franchise opportunities.

His upcoming schedule features a debut in Australia with the Adelaide Strikers for the Big Bash over Christmas. While additional leagues in South Africa, Pakistan, and the United States offer further prospects, participation in the Indian Premier League is currently delayed until 2028 due to tournament registration rules, and potential domestic commitments may require special clearance from the ECB.

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