Reports: Ben Stokes could miss the T20 World Cup in the UAE

England all-rounder Ben Stokes could end up missing the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup in the UAE if reports are to be believed. The cricketer was set to take part in the 2021 Indian Premier League, representing Rajasthan Royals, but he pulled out earlier. Back in July, Stokes took an indefinite break from cricket to take care of his mental well-being.

He is also not a part of the ongoing five-match Test series against India. It was also learned that Stokes’ break was also regarding his recovery from his injury in his left index finger which didn’t fully recover. The T20 World Cup is set to start a few days after the conclusion of the 2021 IPL and Stokes’ participation in the event is still under the clouds.

Going by sources privy to the development, ‘Stokes is not even thinking about cricket at the moment’, Daily Mail reported. The England and Wales Cricket Board is set to pick the squad for the World Cup next Friday and it remains to be seen if Stokes features in it.

Going by the ICC rules, a team can pick a squad of 15 and three reserve players in case of emergency. It’s also been learned that coach Chris Silverwood and the English selectors could name the squad provincially.

Ashley Giles backs Ben Stokes

Earlier when Stokes opted for the break from cricket, Ashley Giles, the Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, lauded him for showing a lot of courage and opening up on his mental issues.

“Our primary focus has always been and will continue to be the mental health and welfare of all of our people. The demands on our athletes to prepare and play elite sport are relentless in a typical environment, but the ongoing pandemic has acutely compounded this,” Giles was quoted as saying.

“Spending significant amounts of time away from family, with minimal freedoms, is extremely challenging. The cumulative effect of operating almost continuously in these environments over the last 16 months has had a major impact on everyone’s wellbeing. Ben will be given as long as he needs, and we look forward to seeing him playing cricket for England in the future,” Giles had said.