Ben Stokes prioritised international cricket over IPL as he opted out of the 2025 mega auction. Here's why the England skipper made this tough decision.

By Daisy Atino Earlier the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had asked all the IPL franchises to confirm their list of retained players by October 31

For the upcoming match, England have handed debut to left-hander Jacob Bethell, who will bat at number three. The side currently sits at sixth place in the ongoing World Test Championship points table and are out of contention for reaching the final, to be held at Lord's next year.

The 2024 IPL mega auction saw some aggressive bidding, record purchases and interesting trends and patterns over the course of the two days in Jeddah.

Ben Stokes has played for Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant previously in the Indian Premier League.

Ben Stokes says he's at the back-end of his playing career and he wants to represent England for as long as possible.