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Playing down all the rumours indicating a possible return of the former England National Cricket Team captain, Ben Stokes is determined to stay retired. The pace-bowling all-rounder, who is likely to join Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Sydney Sixers, reportedly wants to explore the United States' franchise league, Major League Cricket (MLC), as well.
A few days ago, media reports from Australia's local news websites suggested that Ben Stokes is set to join Sydney Sixers on a lucrative deal. Amid the reports suggesting a possible link between Stokes and Sydney Sixers, The Telegraph has claimed that the former England cricketer could be seen in MLC in the future.
Ben Stokes could join Major League Cricket (MLC): Report
The Telegraph, in a report published on August 5, 2026, claimed that Stokes is exploring a deal to play in the Major League Cricket. There was not much detail about any specific MLC deal. So, which MLC franchise is interested in signing Ben Stokes, or when the Englishman could join the US league, is not clear yet.
As the 35-year-old can still produce quality batting and bowling, there will be no surprise if he features in multiple franchise leagues in the future. Due to commitments to the England National Cricket Team, most of the England players chose to stay away from franchise leagues across the world.
Ben Stokes wishes to become the England cricket team's coach one day
Most of them take part in England's own franchise cricket league, The Hundred, but not in other franchise leagues. Stokes is free to participate in any franchise league as he is now free from national cricket team duties. In a recent conversation, Stokes confirmed that he would not reconsider his retirement.
Instead, he would love to engage with the national side as a coach. Ben Stokes mentioned that in this life after retirement, coaching would be an option for him.
"I want to be a coach. I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game - which is to be a coach. Would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely. I would love to be able to do that. Do I think it's going to happen? I don't know. No idea," Stokes said on The Love of Cricket podcast hosted by the former England fast bowler Stuart Broad.
Ben Stokes could provide a serious boost to Major League Cricket
Stokes retired from the national cricket team, keeping himself active in club and franchise cricket. He currently plays for the Durham cricket team in the One Day Cup. If the claims are to be believed, then alongside playing in England's domestic cricket, Stokes could play in the Big Bash League and Major League Cricket.
If Stokes joins Major League Cricket, it will be a major boost for the league, as the league is still in an evolving stage, exploring the cricketing markets across the cricket-playing nations. Stokes could help the league gain instant worldwide attraction and a step further to take the business to a new level. However, if he plays MLC, he won't be available for Ashes 2027.
