English all-rounder Ben Stokes has officially confirmed that he is taking an indefinite break from all forms of cricket and the same has been verified by ICC (International Cricket Council). It is being reported that the cricketer has taken this big step to focus on his mental health and well being. The break will also give his some time to recover from his finger injury. It also means that he will not be featuring in England’s upcoming test series against India on their home-ground.
Ben Stokes spent a long time away from home last year, just like most other cricketers, due to the COVID-19 crisis (to maintain strict bio-bubble) during the Indian Premier League. Unfortunately he could not end the season with his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals due to an injury and a personal reason. He missed two of England’s tests against Pakistan due to the same reason. His grandfather died in December last year after suffering from brain cancer. Overall, it was a tough year for the englishman.
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He recently made his return to the national team after a majority of their regular players contracted COVID-19. However, he has now decided that he will be taking a break.
ECB “fully supports” Stokes’ decision and that it would “continue to help him during this period away from the game” as they mentioned in a statement that they released just recently.
“Stokes has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing,” said Ashley Giles, England’s director of men’s cricket.
“Our primary focus has always been – and will continue to be – the mental health and welfare of all of our people,” Giles said. “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.
“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.”
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