IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals’ Ben Stokes could miss the first half of IPL season

IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals’ Ben Stokes could miss the first half of IPL season

IMG 20200901 WA0014

Ben Stokes (Credits – IPL)

England all-rounder Ben Stokes may miss the first half of the Indian Premier League(IPL) for Rajasthan Royals. Stokes is currently in New Zealand with his father Ged, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

Stokes left the Test series midway against Pakistan after the second match last month to spend time with his ailing father. Stoke’s father Ged Stokes is currently in Christchurch for his treatment. Stokes has completed his 14-day mandatory isolation period in New Zealand and will spend time with his family.

“As per quarantine rules in New Zealand, Ben has just completed his 14-day isolation period after reaching New Zealand. Now he will be meeting his father and obviously he would like to spend some quiet time with his family in this time of crisis,” a source told PTI.

IPL 2020 UAE: Rajasthan Royals (RR) Team Profile Overview, Stats, Auctions Analysis, Season-Wise Performance, Full Schedule and Squad

“It is only logical that if he has just completed his quarantine, he would not be available for the first part of the IPL and that is completely understandable. The franchise will not even call Ben as this is not priority at the moment. Let him spend quality family time and any discussions on his availability can happen only after that,” the source added.

Ged Stokes is a former rugby player from New Zealand, also known as ‘the All Blacks‘. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in January this year.

Rajasthan Royals to ‘wait’ for Stokes‘ confirmation

Ben Stokes with father Ged Stokes

The New Zealand born all-rounder is a vital cog in the Rajasthan Royals squad this season. As per reports, Rajasthan Royals are willing to wait for Stokes’ final confirmation for the second part of IPL, and will take the decision accordingly.

Ben Stokes has scored 808 runs and picked 26 wickets in 34 matches of the IPL. The player of the match in the finals where England registered a dramatic win over the Kiwis conceded that he took the right decision to spend time with family.

“I didn’t sleep for a week and my head wasn’t really in it,” Stokes had told the Weekend Herald after reaching New Zealand.

“Leaving was the right choice from a mental point of view,” Stokes added.

Indian Premier League 2020 begins from 19th Spetember in Abu Dhabi. The final will be played on 10th November.

Also Read:IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals to travel the most this IPL