Chris Woakes takes break from cricket after father's demise

After a reasonably satisfactory performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023 on a personal level where he amassed 131 runs in eight innings and claimed 10 wickets in as many outings, followed by a successful stint in ILT20 2024 with the Sharjah Warriors, the unexpected withdrawal of English bowling all-rounder, Chris Woakes, from IPL 2024 left quite a few puzzled.

Speculation arose regarding his decision, hinting at the possibility of self-preservation from injuries for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024, or simply a much-needed respite from the demanding and rigorous cricketing schedule to recuperate mentally.

However, the true reason behind his absence surfaced via an Instagram story, where he addressed the matter. The 35-year-old, omitted from the 15-member roster for the T20 World Cup 2024, disclosed the passing of his father, Roger Woakes, last month, during the early days of May. He expressed his profound sorrow as he mourned alongside his immediate family, marking this period as one of acute sadness for both himself and his kin.  

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Woakes, entrenched within the Warwickshire setup since 2006, has played 99 First Class games for them ever since, posessing a tally of 364 wickets to his name in 172 innings including 14 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls in matches. He debuted against the West Indies A side half a decade before ascending to prominence in the realm of English cricket.

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However, he vowed to return to the cricketing fold for England once he deems it opportune for both himself and his family. He reflected on his father's pride in his affiliation with the county.

Woakes was thankful for privacy during these trying times for himself and his relatives, and looked forward to playing for Warwickshire again in the near future.