Fact Check: Has Ben Stokes joined Mumbai Indians for remainder of IPL 2025?

According to speculations, Ben Stokes was spotted with the Mumbai Indians' (MI) players in the team hotel on Saturday, April 26. In a recent video on social media, the England all-rounder could be seen entering a car with a Haryana number plate, which had an MI team logo on its back glass. This video has sparked speculations regarding Stokes' return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and possible link-up with the five-time champions.

Mumbai Indians had a slow start to the season yet again this year. However, they have managed to turn things around remarkably and have a strong chance of reaching the playoffs. The Hardik Pandya-led side has won five out of the nine games they have played this season.

Stokes' inclusion for the remainder of the season could work wonders for MI, as his three-dimensional skill set will be an asset for the five-time champions. Watching two of the best seam-bowling all-rounders - Hardik and Stokes - playing together will be an exciting prospect for cricket enthusiasts around the world.

Watch the viral video of Ben Stokes here

𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵@rushiii_12

🚨BEN STOKES IN MUMBAI INDIANS👀? "Ben Stokes was seen with the Mumbai Indians team yesterday at the MI team hotel and when he arrived in Mumbai, Mumbai Indians officials came to pick up him."👀

11:20 AM · Apr 27, 2025

2.3K126

Fact Check: Is Ben Stokes actually joining MI for the remainder of IPL 2025?

The rumours and speculations have been running wild ever since the video surfaced. Some fans are waiting for an official announcement from MI regarding Stokes' inclusion. However, the England Test skipper isn't joining the popular franchise, at least in IPL 2025. The 33-year-old actually came for a promotional shoot alongside Delhi Capitals' wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul.

Jyotirmay Das@dasjy0tirmay

KL RAHUL with Ben Stokes in an Interview Shoot for Red Bull yesterday. Interview will be Published on Times Now.

03:37 AM · Apr 26, 2025

67751

It is also important to note that Stokes didn't register for the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Teams cannot directly pick such players as replacements during the season. A replacement player can only be picked from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP), and even if exceptions are allowed, they must be pre-approved by the BCCI Technical Committee.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 27, where Hardik & Co. will be looking to clinch another win at home to solidify their position on the IPL 2025 Points Table.