ICC World Cup 2023: Tim Paine Slams Ben Stokes' Decision To Come Out Of Retirement Ahead Of The World Cup

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine wasn’t impressed with England all-rounder Ben Stokes’ decision to come out of retirement in the 50-over format. However, Tim Paine believes that Ben Stokes’ presence will boost England’s squad in the ODI World Cup 2023.

Ben Stokes announced his retirement from ODI cricket in July 2022, citing that he couldn’t play in all three formats of the game. However, the England Test captain recently changed his mind and made himself available for selection for the ODI series against New Zealand.

More Confident With Ben Stokes In Their Team – Tim Paine

Tim Paine remains firm in his criticism of Ben Stokes‘ decision to reverse his retirement from ODI cricket, stating that he pays little attention to public opinion regarding his remarks.

“You don’t have to agree, the people in England don’t have to agree, I don’t really care. His leadership and everything he brings to the team; there’s no doubt England’s team will walk taller and be more confident with Ben Stokes in their team,” Paine said.

“But to come out around a big tournament, play in that and probably move on again, personally I don’t like it. Fifteen months ago, say ‘I’m going on a break from one-day cricket, I’m retiring,’ and then don’t double down on it a month ago,” he added.

Earlier this week, Tim Paine shared his perspective on the matter, suggesting that Ben Stokes was a bit selfish. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan reacted to Paine’s statement, labelling Stokes as the ‘most selfless cricketer’ he has ever seen.

Ben stokes is the most selfless cricketer I have ever known .. He puts Team before himself more than any other player .. Ridiculous suggestion from Tim .. https://t.co/jUXwzl1z2e

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 19, 2023

Taking Someone’s Spot Just For A World Cup – Tim Paine

Tim Paine went on to state that Ben Stokes took the spot of someone who truly deserved to be part of England’s squad in the upcoming World Cup.

“He’s a good person, from everyone that I know that knows him, and he’s a phenomenal player. My thing is… It is a bit of ‘Me, me, me,’ is it not? It could be seen as coming out of retirement and taking someone’s spot just for a World Cup.

“The optics of that aren’t very good, particularly when you do an interview a month ago and double down on it and say, ‘I’ve retired from one-day cricket and I will not be reversing it.’ He’s retired, stay retired.”

England will participate in the ODI World Cup 2023 as defending champions under the leadership of Jos Buttler. England’s opening match of the tournament will be against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on October 5.

Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: “Ridiculous Suggestion” – Michael Vaughan Hits Out At Tim Paine For His Statement Over Ben Stokes