After Tuesday’s match against South Africa, Ben Stokes, one of the most formidable and renowned all-rounders in cricket, will call it quits in the ODI format after 11 years of international play. Due to injuries and fitness, the player has chosen to leave the format. On his social media accounst, the player declared his retirement.
Ben Stokes, “As hard as a decision as this was to come, it’s not as hard dealing with the fact that I can’t give my teammates 100% of myself in this format anymore. The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it.”
Stokes was referred to as a “inspirational figure” by interim ECB CEO Clare Connor, who also stated that the board fully comprehends Stokes’ choice to leave the 50-over format.
“Ben Stokes is a superstar in every format of our game,” Connor said. “His remarkable contribution to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final at Lord’s in 2019 enabled England Men to win that prestigious trophy for the first time.
“Ben is not only one of the world’s best players, but an inspirational figure too so our ODI team will miss him. But having taken on the Test captaincy and with today’s busy calendar of cricket, we completely understand and respect his decision.
“We look forward to watching him excite and enthral in an England shirt for many years to come.”
