বাংলাBen Stokes could face a clearance issue with the England and Wales Cricket Board over plans to play in overseas franchise competitions next season. The former England captain has reportedly discussed joining franchises in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Because Ben Stokes remains registered with Durham, he would require an ECB no-objection certificate (NOC) to play in overseas competitions. According to The Guardian, the ECB is reluctant to issue the required NOC for the MLC and PSL while he remains registered with the county.
Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket in June, and his central contract is due to be cancelled at the end of September. However, the end of his central contract does not remove the regulatory requirements governing overseas franchise participation.
Under ECB regulations updated in 2024, the board can reject an NOC request if an overseas competition overlaps with a domestic season for which a player is contracted. The MLC is provisionally scheduled for June and July next year, creating a potential scheduling issue for Ben Stokes.
Durham are reportedly sympathetic to Stokes’ franchise ambitions. The Guardian reported that the county has discussed possible short-term contract arrangements that could allow him to become available for part of the MLC period.
Stokes has also agreed to play for Adelaide Strikers in Australia’s Big Bash League during the winter. However, he has not yet applied for the necessary NOC for that competition, according to the report.
The ECB’s clearance rules could therefore have a significant bearing on Stokes’ overseas franchise plans for the coming season.
More: International News
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