CSK Confident About Ben Stokes' Availability for The Entirety of IPL 2023
Ben Stokes suffered a knee injury in the Wellington Test [Source: Twitter]
Amidst reports of Ben Stokes leaving the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 ahead of time, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remain confident about the maverick all-rounder's availability for the entirety of the season.
CEO Kasi Viswanathan ahead of CSK's preparatory camp, which begins in Chennai today, confirmed that neither the ECB nor the BCCI have provided any such updates about England players leaving early, as per a report in Cricbuzz.
The BCCI, before the start of the IPL Auction last December, communicated to all franchises that England players will be fully available to feature in the IPL 2023 season.
CSK roped in the England Test and T20I skipper for a whopping INR 16.25 crore in the auction.
Here's what Viswanathan confirmed
"That is our understanding. Before the auction, the BCCI had conveyed to us that the English players will be available for the entire IPL. I've not had any information that is contrary to the BCCI communication."
Stokes, who injured his knee during the recently concluded Wellington Test in an interview, said he would give himself time to prepare for a one-off Test against Ireland, which eventually started speculations of the star player missing the last few games for CSK this season.
Viswanathan also stated that management will consult with coach Stephen Fleming and captain MS Dhoni about a suitable replacement for the injured Kyle Jamieson.
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