ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ben Stokes openly reveals whether he will play for England or not

England Test skipper Ben Stokes is currently leading the side in a Test series against Pakistan. During the press conference ahead of the Pakistan vs England 3rd Test, Ben Stokes revealed whether he'll return to Pakistan next year for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan next year in February. Hence, there are almost four months left for the ICC event, where the top 8 teams in international cricket will battle with each other.

Notably, Pakistan will host an ICC tournament after more than a decade. ICC banned them from hosting ICC events and international games after the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lanka Team.

They were also removed as co-hosts of the 2011 ODI World Cup due to the decision. However, the ban has been lifted now and many international teams have visited Pakistan for bilateral series during the past few years.

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Wait till February! Ben Stokes on whether he will return to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

During a pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan vs England 3rd Test, a reporter asked Ben Stokes if he would return to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025.

The England all-rounder urged the reporter to wait till February. The video was shared by ESPN Cricinfo on Twitter. Have a look at the video below.

Will Ben Stokes be coming back to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy? pic.twitter.com/q40lvcBQfk

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 23, 2024

Ben Stokes is the skipper of England in Tests while Jos Buttler leads the side in the ODIs and T20Is. Stokes was part of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 squad where England gave a miserable performance losing to teams like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

Ben Stokes struggled with bat and ball in the 2nd Test vs Pakistan

Notably, Stokes leads England in the ongoing Pakistan tour but was not part of the 1st Test. He took charge of the team in 2nd Test and Ollie Pope led the side in the opening game.

The left-handed batsman struggled with his batting and bowling in the match. He got out for 1 and 37 across both innings. Stokes also failed to get a wicket in any innings.

Stokes-led England completely failed to dominate the home team in the 2nd Test despite a huge defeat in the 1st Test against Pakistan under Ollie Pope.

Also Read: Shubman Gill's participation in doubt as Gautam Gambhir keeps India's playing 11 under wraps; clears Rishabh Pant

PAK vs ENG Test series tied at 1-1 after two games

Meanwhile, the Pakistan vs England Test series is tied 1-1 after two games. England won the 1st Test at Multan Cricket Stadium by an innings and 47 runs.

However, Pakistan made a phenomenal comeback in the 2nd Test to win it by 152 runs. The series is tied 1-1 after two games and the 3rd Test will decide the ultimate champions of the series.

The Pakistan vs England 3rd Test begins on Thursday, October 24 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Stokes leads England in the match while Shan Masood leads Pakistan.