Ben Stokes likely to attract higher bids in IPL Auctions 2018

English all-rounder Ben Stokes has been in troubled waters in the recent times. His alleged involvement in the pub brawl at Bristol still awaits final verdict from the police. Till the time the verdict arrives, Stokes is supposed to serve his suspension imposed by the England and the Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Once the verdict is made, ECB will hold a meeting within 48 hours to decide on Stokes’ future.

Meanwhile, the board has issued an NOC to Ben Stokes to participate in the domestic cricket of other countries. Considering this, Stokes was recently spotted in Christchurch, New Zealand. The ECB confirmed that Stokes did not head down under for the Ashes but personal reasons. Some reports suggest that Stokes is in line to make his debut for Canterbury in a 50 over game this weekend.

While the future of Ben Stokes with the England team remains in dark clouds for now, his future elsewhere seems very positive. The kind of cricket property that Stokes is, it is not surprising to see his popularity around the globe. The recent reports in The Sun suggest that Stokes is in line to land a mega deal in the IPL in the upcoming auctions in 2018.

Whopper deal in 2017

Stokes was the most expensive player in the IPL Player Auctions this year when the Rising Pune Supergiant bagged him for a whopping £1.7 million. Now, considering that Stokes could potentially enter the competition with fresh legs, the deal could escalate up to £ 2 million.

In case Ben Stokes gets his chance to be back in the England team, he will do so only after attending an ‘anger management’ course prescribed by the English board. Also, in that case, Stokes will arrive in the IPL after England’s tour of New Zealand. The English side is scheduled tour New Zealand after the Ashes.