England all-rounder opts out of T20 World Cup 2024

Ben Stokes has requested not to be considered for England selection for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.
Star all-rounder Ben Stokes has stated that he does not want to be considered for selection for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024,  the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Tuesday, 2 April.

The England Test captain's focus is currently to gain full bowling fitness for not just the upcoming summer, which includes two three-match Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka respectively, but all cricket in the future.

Commenting on his decision, Stokes said: “I’m working hard and focusing on building my bowling fitness back up to fulfil a full role as an all-rounder in all formats of cricket.

“Opting out of the IPL and the World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that allows me to be the all-rounder I want to be for the foreseeable future.

“The recent Test tour of India highlighted how far behind I was from a bowling point of view after my knee surgery and nine months without bowling. I’m looking forward to playing for Durham in the County Championship before the start of our Test summer.

“I wish Jos (Buttler), Motty (Matthew Mott) and all the team the best of luck in defending our title.”

Ben Stokes made a remarkable return to England's squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, coming out of ODI retirement to join the mega-event.

However, throughout the tournament, Stokes grappled with knee issues, limiting his participation to just six of England’s nine matches as a specialist batter.

Following the World Cup, Stokes underwent knee surgery and marked his return during England’s five-match Test series against India earlier this year. Despite his limited bowling, Stokes made a memorable comeback during the final Test, clinching the wicket of his counterpart Rohit Sharma with an exquisite delivery.

England are the defending champions at the upcoming T20 World Cup, having won the title in the previous edition in 2022 in Australia. It was Stokes who hit the winning runs in the final against Pakistan, his composed 49-ball 52* taking England to victory.