T20 leagues are currently making waves in the Global cricket, All the players eager to participate in major leagues around the world, similar to the IPL. Even after retirement, many cricketers are continuing their batting careers in T20 franchise leagues. England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes has now joined this list. Although he announced his retirement from international cricket a few months ago, he has decided to continue playing franchise cricket.
Stokes is already set to play for Melbourne in the Big Bash League (BBL). He is also reportedly interested in playing in more T20 leagues, particularly the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Major League Cricket (MLC). However, it appears that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) could put a brake on these plans. If Ben Stokes wants to play in the PSL and MLC, ECB regulations could create a major hurdle for him. As a result, this issue has become a hot topic in the cricket world.
https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1580154509409415168
There is an important reason behind this situation. Although Stokes has retired from international cricket, he is still playing domestic cricket for Durham County Cricket Club. Since he still has a contract with the club, it could be difficult for the ECB to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in overseas franchise leagues. This could potentially put his plans to play in foreign leagues at risk.
If Ben Stokes finishes his contract with Durham County, he may have the opportunity to play in overseas leagues. Although his central contract with the ECB has already ended, his association with Durham could become a hurdle to his participation in overseas tournaments.
According to ECB regulations, players who are registered with English county teams are not eligible to play franchise cricket overseas without the board’s permission. Therefore, if Stokes wants to participate in foreign leagues, he would need approval from the ECB, creating a major problem for him.
https://twitter.com/DerbyshireCCC/status/2103432716427661595
There is another complication: Major League Cricket (MLC) takes place around the same time as the English domestic season, meaning the two competitions overlap. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is also expected to be held during April-May. As a result, the ECB may not grant Stokes permission to participate in these leagues.
Stokes is also reportedly keen to help Durham win the County Championship. Therefore, he may have to choose between playing for Durham and participating in these overseas franchise leagues.
It remains to be seen what decision Ben Stokes will ultimately make. The ECB does, however, make an exception for the Indian Premier League (IPL), so he is unlikely to face the same issue with the IPL. The main concerns are expected to arise with the PSL and MLC.
https://twitter.com/BBL/status/2095033919989301602
