IPL 2020: Ben Stokes' Ailing Father Wanted Him To Return To Playing Cricket

England and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes confirming his availability for IPL 2020 came as a massive boost to their struggling camp. Ben Stokes arrived in the UAE, currently fulfilling his quarantine requirements and could be available for selection when Rajasthan Royals face the SunRisers Hyderabad. Stokes, who took a break from cricket due to family reasons, revealed his ill father’s wish for him to return to cricket.

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Ben Stokes played an instrumental role in England’s Test series victory against the West Indies in July. However, the all-rounder had to depart midway from the series against Pakistan to stay with his father, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. The 28-year old received an indefinite break from the England Cricket Board and has not featured in any of the white-ball games during the summer. Stokes spent five weeks in New Zealand, missing the first five games of Rajasthan Royals.

Ben Stokes recalls bidding goodbye to his family, consisting of mother, father, and brother, was quite challenging. Stokes revealed that it has been a difficult time for them; however, they have kept it together with the best of their abilities. With blessing and love from his parents, they decided that Stokes must get back to competitive cricket.

“Saying goodbye to my dad, my mum and my brother in Christchurch was tough. It has been a difficult time for us as a family, but we’ve pulled together and supported each other as best we can. And I was able to get on the plane with my parents’ love and blessing after we reached the decision, for me to get back playing, as a family with no external influences,” Stokes wrote in a column for Daily Mirror.

“The support I’ve had from team-mates and others I work with has just been incredible and utterly appreciated” : Ben Stokes

The New Zealand-born cricketer has thanked for the support that they have received from all their relatives and friends, including his team-mates. During these challenging times, all Stokes claims he will remember how they have worked together and helped others in the process too. As and when Stokes becomes available for selection, he is expected to straight into the side and most likely replace Tom Curran.

“It is that support network of family and friends that my mum and dad have got around them that gives me the peace of mind to know they have everything they need. It has been amazing to see how people rally round each other in times like this. The support I’ve had from team-mates and others I work with has just been incredible and utterly appreciated. ith everything that has gone on this year I think what I will remember most is the way people have worked together or gone out on a limb to try and help others, on and off the field,” he added.

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