Ben Stokes’ MLC Deal Could Clash With Ashes

Former England all-rounder Ben Stokes is considering playing in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2027, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming Ashes series.

Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket in June, during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Ben Stokes recently declared on the ‘For the Love of Cricket’ Podcast that he was ‘absolutely’ retired, putting an end to speculation over a possible comeback for England’s showcase series next year.

According to The Telegraph, the all-rounder is looking for summer stints in the United States and is close to a lucrative deal with the Sydney Sixers for the 2026/27 Big Bash League.

The dates for the 2027 season have yet to be announced, although given that the event will take place between the IPL and The Hundred, the dates may coincide with the first few Tests of the Ashes.

Stokes is presently playing for Durham in the One-Day Cup, where he has 193 runs in four innings, including one half-century and a century. The club would be willing to give Ben Stokes more flexibility with his contracts and arrangements after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) amended their rules to allow white-ball-only players to compete in events that clashed with the English summer.

According to reports, Stokes is anticipated to play for Durham in the County Championship and One-Day Cup, but not in the T20 Blast, which could open up a window for MLC participation.

“I care greatly about Durham. We’ve had ups and downs as a county, with financial issues and being relegated, so it’s my job now to play for Durham, and I’m desperate to do whatever I can to help them, whether it’s winning the 50-over competition trophy this year or returning to Division One, which I believe we deserve,” Ben Stokes said earlier this week, as quoted by The Telegraph.

While the MLC is still in its early stages of development, it has already seen marquee names like Pat Cummins and Travis Head compete, as well as English stars like Jason Roy and Alex Hales.