Ben Stokes likely to miss T20 World Cup 2021

England all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to miss the upcoming T20 World Cup to be played in the UAE in October-November. He is currently on a mental health break and is not the part of the ongoing Test series between England and India as well. Moreover, he has pulled himself out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) too with the Rajasthan Royals also naming his replacement.

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Stokes last played for England against Pakistan at home in a three-match ODI series when he was rushed back to play following the main squad going into isolation due to COVID cases. The second string team led by Stokes won the series 1-2.

However, his finger injury had not healed completely by then and on July 30, he decided to take a break to look after his mental well-being and also rest the finger. If the reports in Daily Mail are to be considered, 'Stokes is not even thinking about cricket at the moment'.

But according to the rules of ICC, the squads for the World Cup needs to be announced within the deadline. ECB, meanwhile, may zero in on the 15 players + 3 traveling reserves for the T20 WC on the eve of the fifth Test against India.

Having said that, England may include Stokes in the provisional squad for now and then ICC allows to make valid changes to the team until October 10. If Ben Stokes decides not to feature in the mega event, ECB can always name a replacement for the all-rounder ahead of the tournament.