Ben Stokes: Hard to disagree with gamers turning down contracts to compete in T20 leagues

Test captain Ben Stokes mentioned he understands the reasoning behind gamers turning down contracts with England in favour of enjoying in profitable T20 tournaments.

On Wednesday, England quick bowler Mark Wood informed the Daily Telegraph that he was but to make up his thoughts over whether or not he would settle for a central contract, citing the monetary incentives of enjoying within the UAE T20 League.

Earlier this 12 months, batter Jason Roy gave up his contract to play in Major League Cricket (MLC).

Stokes mentioned he understood their reluctance to decide to England, telling reporters: “We know the whole landscape of cricket is changing and that is great for the individuals who are still within the game and great for those who are coming through.

“If a person makes a decision because they think it’s the best for themselves, the future and security of their families, then it’s very hard to disagree with that,” Stokes added, talking forward of England’s first one-day worldwide towards New Zealand in Cardiff on Friday.

“The more opportunities that come, the more people are going to be attracted to the sport and try to make a career out of it. Everyone is at a different point in their life, not just their career, where other things will have to be thought about.”

Also learn | Harry Brook added in England ODI squad vs New Zealand, Ireland

Stokes has bowled sparingly in latest months as a result of a hard knee damage and is about to play as a specialist batter within the 50-overs World Cup in India from Oct. 5-Nov. 19.

“I’ve been having some good conversations with some specialists. There is a plan in place,” Stokes mentioned.

“It’s nice knowing after the World Cup we’ve got something, a really good plan we can do and we can stick to. I want to be playing next summer as a genuine all-rounder. This winter is all about playing this World Cup, then getting this knee sorted.”

With Stokes again within the ODI set-up after reversing his retirement from the one-day format, England has dropped Harry Brook from the provisional 15-member squad for the World Cup.

However, Brook, 24, has acquired a call-up to England’s squad for its four-match ODI sequence towards New Zealand and Stokes backed the promising batter to carry out nicely.

“Everyone is aware of the talent he possesses and how good he is,” Stokes mentioned.

“He is going to be around every England squad for the next five to 10 years. I’m sure a lot of final decisions (for the World Cup squad) will be made around the form the lads have shown in the series.”