CSK set to release Ben Stokes ahead of IPL 2024

CSK set to release Ben Stokes ahead of IPL 2024. MS Dhoni is set to determine Ben Stokes’ future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after the 2023 World Cup. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are considering the possibility of excluding Lockie Ferguson.

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CSK set to release Ben Stokes ahead of IPL 2024

Ben Stokes was acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK)to participate in the IPL 2023 season for INR 16.25 Crore (£1.6 million) in the IPL auction held on December 23, 2022.

After consulting with Captain MS Dhoni once the World Cup concludes, Top Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officials have confirmed that the franchise will determine the future of Ben Stokes after November 20.

With the deadline for releasing the names of retained players extended to November 26, the franchise now has more than 10 days to make their decisions.

He could only participate in two games in 2023 after sustaining a knee injury, scoring just 15 runs without bowling. The IPL next year is expected to take place from the last week of March until the end of May.

As CSK set to release Ben Stokes ahead of IPL 2024, Significantly, all 10 franchises are required to declare the list of player retentions and releases by November 26. The upcoming major auction is slated to take place in Dubai on December 19, and certain teams may be open to considering Stokes for acquisition.

If Stokes is released, CSK will have ₹16.25 crores freed up for the auction, allowing them to potentially pursue either spin-bowling all-rounder Rachin Ravindra or pace-bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai from Afghanistan.

The IPL 2024 auction is set for December 19 in Dubai, and the ten teams are required to submit the lists of players they are retaining and releasing by November 26.

CSK official stated,

“We would not have considered releasing Ben Stokes if he could have been available for the upcoming season. We hold him in the highest regard, We would like to use those 16Crs to get a player of the same quality”.

However, if he is unable to participate in the season, we will have tied up Rs 16 crore, which could be used to acquire some quality players.” This highlights the meticulous approach CSK is taking in its player management strategy.

Stokes’ omission from the CSK squad is presumably due to his unavailability for the 2024 season. Following a disappointing ICC World Cup campaign with England, Stokes disclosed that he will undergo surgery on his left knee, necessitating a minimum two-month recovery period.

Additionally, New Zealand bowler Lockie Ferguson is expected to be released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) due to his recurring history of injuries. He was initially picked by Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022 for 10 crore and was subsequently traded to KKR in 2023.