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| Stokes won't mind sacrificing IPL final for England duty | | | agencies
NEW DELHI, Feb 23: World's premier all-rounder Ben Stokes won't allow Indian Premier League (IPL) come in the way of national duty, saying he would prefer to fly back and lead England against Ireland in the build-up Test ahead of the high-stakes Ashes series even if his franchise makes the final. Stokes had missed the last edition of the world's most popular T20 tournament but is set to wear the yellow Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey this season, starting March 31.
The IPL final is slated for May 28 while England take on Ireland in the one-off warm-up Test from June 1.
CSK play their first game of the season against Lucknow Supergiants on April 3.
"Yes, I'll play," Stokes said when asked if he would play for England even if CSK qualify for the title clash.
"I'll be making sure that I give myself enough time to get back and play that game (against Ireland)."
There has been a debate in international cricket whether players are preferring private leagues over national duty. Stokes said he can't say about the choice of his England colleagues. Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Harry Brook all have IPL contracts.
"I think it's a little bit too far ahead to say for others, but one thing I've got to look at is we've got the |
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