Ben Stokes and Joe Root Could Be Banned from IPL Until 2027
Under the revised BCCI regulations, any overseas player who fails to register for the mega auction becomes ineligible for the following year’s auction. This rule now directly affects Stokes, who had previously benefitted from re-entering the IPL through mini auctions after opting out of mega auctions.
Ben Stokes, England's star Test captain, and Joe Root have opted out of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, marking their absence for a second consecutive season. This decision means that Stokes, in particular, could be sidelined from the IPL until 2027 due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new auction policies.
Under the revised BCCI regulations, any overseas player who fails to register for the mega auction becomes ineligible for the following year’s auction. This rule now directly affects Stokes, who had previously benefitted from re-entering the IPL through mini auctions after opting out of mega auctions. The last time Stokes skipped the auction in 2022, he was able to secure a lucrative contract with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹16.25 crore in 2023. However, the new rule ensures that players like Stokes, who skip the auction, won’t have the option to return in the next season.
The BCCI also implemented a strict policy where players withdrawing post-auction will face a two-year ban, reinforcing the need for commitment to the IPL once contracts are signed. This measure aims to bring more consistency to team rosters and reduce any tactical manipulation of auction dynamics.
While Stokes and Root will be absent for the IPL until at least 2027, they will be eligible for future seasons through mini auctions, should they choose to return. This development, coinciding with the upcoming mega auction in Jeddah (November 24-25, 2024), signals a significant shift in IPL auction regulations, marking a tighter control over player participation.
